NDP not seeking ‘quid pro quo’ with Liberals for party status, interim leader says

The NDP’s newly appointed interim leader, Don Davies, has made it clear that the party will not be using its limited leverage in Parliament to strike deals with the Liberal government in exchange for perks that come with being a recognized party. In an interview with CBC’s Rosemary Barton Live, Davies emphasized the importance of functioning as a parliamentary caucus without any quid pro quo.

Since former leader Jagmeet Singh resigned on election night, Davies has taken on the role of interim leader. With the NDP reduced to just seven seats in the House of Commons, five short of the 12 needed for recognized party status, the party has lost certain privileges such as guaranteed questions in question period, participation in committees, and funding for the leader’s office.

Despite the diminished status, the NDP could still have leverage in the minority Parliament, as the Liberals are just a few seats shy of a majority. Davies has been in talks with both Liberals and Conservatives to make the case for granting recognized status to the NDP, but he has made it clear that the party will not be making any deals at this point.

Davies highlighted the need for the NDP to reconnect with its roots as the party of the working class. With the Conservatives making a push to attract working-class and union voters during the election, Davies believes that the NDP must reclaim its position as the party that delivers for working people.

Overall, Davies is focused on rebuilding the NDP after its election day collapse and ensuring that the party’s voice is heard in Parliament. While negotiations for recognized status continue, Davies remains committed to working constructively with other parties in the minority Parliament.