With no record of its own running the federal government, the NDP likes to point to provincial New Democratic governments as proof the party is capable of solid fiscal management at the national level if given a chance to govern.
But after the spectacular defeat of Darrell Dexter in Nova Scotia last week — he was the first N.S. Premier in 131 years to fail to win a second term — federal NDP leader Tom Mulcair may be singing a different tune. The N.S. upset follows an abysmal showing in British Columbia last spring for the provincial NDP there.
Postmedia News takes a closer look at Mulcair, his party and his plan two years ahead of the next federal election.
Hail to the Chief
Mulcair, a former Quebec Liberal, boasts of being one of the few anglophones to successfully climb up the ladder in Quebec’s civil service and speaks proudly of his Europe-inspired Sustainable Development Plan adopted while he was that province’s environment minister. The second New Democrat to get elected in Quebec, he shares credit for the so-called “Orange Wave” that brought the NDP to dominance in la belle province in 2011′s federal race. Mulcair is expected to move the party closer to the political centre inch by inch as the 2015 election approaches.
Fall focus
New Democrats are in election mode. The party spent prorogation laying out its plan on accountability, justice, consumer affairs, youth unemployment, health care and food safety.
Unlike the Liberals, Mulcair has promised a fully costed economic plan well ahead of the next election campaign, starting with a “pan-Canadian” energy policy this fall.
Don’t expect the official Opposition to let up on the Senate spending scandal or on attacking the Conservative track record on jobs, the economy, the environment and deregulation.
Strategy
Mulcair maintains his chief adversary is Stephen Harper but concedes a “two-front” war is brewing. With the Liberals posting good numbers in public opinion polls, he can’t ignore Justin Trudeau. But don’t expect personal attacks: Mulcair plans to keep his remarks and advertisements focused on leadership ability. DO expect Mulcair to push the NDP’s favourite “blue door/red door” metaphor and the promise of something different should Canadians choose the “orange” door.
Strengths
Former NDP leader Jack Layton’s promise during the last election to “make policies for the kitchen table, not the boardroom table” is now synonymous with the NDP and both the Conservatives and Liberals have taken notice.
The Liberals have positioned themselves as the party of hope for the middle class, while Harper promises goodies for consumers. There’s even talk of an airline passenger bill of rights — an NDP proposal twice voted down by the Tories.
The NDP has had successes, even in opposition. An NDP private member’s bill mandating bilingualism for officers of Parliament received unanimous support last spring. So too did a motion to scrap the Commons Board of Internal Economy which tracks MP spending, and replace it with an independent oversight body.
Related
The Conservative plan to become Canada’s Natural Governing Party
Justin Trudeau and Liberals focus on long game as fall session nears
Michael Den Tandt: The faltering ‘middle class’ is a real issue, regardless of who wins the next election
John Ivison: Thomas Mulcair keeps faith in opinion polls and policies that ‘resonate’
Stars
Natural resources critic Peter Julian was tasked with putting together the party’s “pan-Canadian” energy policy. Expect it to include proposals for renewable energy. According to a CBC report, Julian travelled to Samso, Denmark as part of his research. The Danish island is known as a world leader in wind power, solar power and biofuel.
Four byelections must be called soon and the NDP has “star” candidates lined up in two of them. Ex-Bran Van 3000 singer Stephane Moraille has the NDP nomination in Bourassa (Quebec), while Toronto Star columnist Linda McQuaig is vying for Toronto-Centre. These are long-time Liberal seats that the NDP hopes to win.
Will anybody jump ship from Mulcair’s team and seek the leadership of the B.C. NDP? Keep a close eye on Julian and NDP House leader Nathan Cullen.
Achilles heel
New Democrats walk a fine line in Quebec. The official Opposition owes its 2011 electoral success to the province’s volatile voters and there’s no guarantee of a repeat landslide in 2015. Thus Mulcair and his team are apt to sit on the fence whenever a Quebec issue gets the rest of the nation riled up.
It occurred recently on the Quebec values charter when the party failed to take a strong stance in the early days of the debate. And as the province wrangles over a contentious assisted-dying bill, Mulcair has avoided offering a clear stance.
Cliché
“This is our moment to work together and build bridges. To show Canadians that they can vote for the change they want and actually get it. This is our moment to build the Canada of our dreams — not just for today, but for generations to come.” — Tom Mulcair, April 13, 2013.
Number of seats:
House of Commons: 100
Senate: 0
Defining quote
“We have a track record of good, solid public administration and that’s what we’re going to bring to the next campaign. It might not be the sexiest slogan but it’s going to connect well with people.” — Tom Mulcair, Sept. 11, 2013.