B.C. expected to play ‘extremely important’ role as federal NDP faces uncertain future
Former federal NDP candidate Cade Desjarlais from Kelowna, B.C., recently expressed his concerns about the state of the party, describing it as being in “disarray.” Desjarlais, who ran for the NDP in Kelowna-Lake Country in 2021 but ultimately voted for the successful Liberal candidate in the redrawn riding of Kelowna last month, highlighted the need for a working-class reset within the party, a leader who embodies that ethos, and a renewed focus on British Columbia.
Desjarlais emphasized the importance of B.C. in shaping the future of the NDP, noting that the province is home to three of the party’s seven parliamentary caucus members, including interim leader Don Davies. With B.C. and Manitoba being the only provinces governed by New Democrats, Desjarlais believes that a revitalization of the party in the region could have a significant impact on its national standing.
Despite the disappointing outcome of the recent election, which saw the NDP’s parliamentary seats reduced and popular vote decline significantly, Desjarlais and other party members believe that a renewal is still possible with the right leadership in place. Geoff Meggs, a former chief of staff to Premier David Eby, highlighted the NDP’s historical success in various provinces and expressed optimism about the party’s potential for resurgence.
Desjarlais specifically pointed out the importance of appealing to the working-class vote, suggesting that the party had performed well when it positioned itself as the voice of workers. He criticized former leader Jagmeet Singh for not embodying that working-class image, referencing a controversial incident involving a designer bag. Kareem Allam, a B.C. NDP member, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for the party to reconnect with working-class voters who may have shifted towards the federal Conservatives.
When discussing potential candidates for the next federal NDP leader, Meggs emphasized the importance of prior political experience, proficiency in French, and familiarity with national issues. He highlighted former Alberta premier Rachel Notley and Alberta MP Heather McPherson as formidable options for the role. While Eby has ruled himself out, he expressed hope that the future leader would draw inspiration from his administration and that of Premier Wab Kinew.
Looking ahead, party members like Meggs and Allam stressed the need for a leader who is committed for the long term and capable of addressing the challenges facing the NDP. They suggested that a leader from Western Canada could help the party reconnect with voters in the region, although they may lack understanding of specific issues in Quebec and Eastern Canada.
Lastly, the looming challenge of U.S. President Donald Trump and his policies was discussed, with Meggs emphasizing the need for the party to engage with recent immigrants and forge a stronger national response to the threat posed by Trump. Desjarlais shared how the fear of Trump influenced his decision to vote for Liberal Stephen Fuhr, whom he viewed as a strong MP with the leadership qualities needed to navigate the challenges ahead.
