"Is the NDP Party Still Relevant to Voters...?" June 21, 2023 Canadian News Update and Commentary
While the Conservatives and Liberals held on to seats, why did the NDP do so poorly?
Within moments of us learning the results of this week’s federal by-elections, the spin doctors and sycophants for both the Liberals and Conservatives claimed victory for their side and suggest that these victories indicate a popular shift toward their Party, which will sweep them to victory in the next federal election.
There is, as usual, more fiction than fact in their tilted analysis, but once you peel away the hyperbole, there are some interesting observations to be had.
First of all, there was no clear cut winner in the results; the Conservatives held on to two seats that have been solidly Conservative and the Liberals accomplished the same feat with their “victories”.
That’s not to diminish those successes; holding on to a seat is just as important as gaining a seat in the full contact sport of politics.
The real test of a Party’s support or decline are in the so-called swing ridings, which tend to flip back and forth, depending on the mood of the voters.
So, while this was a saw-off between the Cons and Libs, the interesting subplot is, why did the NDP do so poorly?
In the past, disenchanted voters have often parked their vote with the NDP in a by-election to show their displeasure with Parliament, but that didn’t happen this time around.
While the Liberals and Conservatives duke it for top spot, the NDP must be wondering if they’re still relevant to Canadian voters!
What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments!