Party status for NDP likely not ‘on the table,’ says Liberal House leader

The recent federal election saw the NDP reduced to just seven seats, five short of the 12 seats needed to gain official party status in the House of Commons. This means that the party has lost certain privileges, such as guaranteed questions in the daily question period, participation in committees, and funding for the leader’s office and research bureau.

Government House leader Steven MacKinnon has stated that he does not expect the NDP to be granted party status, as it is set out in law. Despite ongoing negotiations with interim NDP Leader Don Davies, MacKinnon believes that party status is not something that is on the table for the opposition party.

Davies, however, has been making the case to both Liberals and Conservatives that the rules should be bent to grant the NDP recognized status. He has emphasized that the party is not seeking any sort of “quid pro quo” agreement for party status, but rather wants to bring the voices of the 1.2 million Canadians who voted for them to Parliament.

While MacKinnon has indicated that party status may not be granted, he has acknowledged that there may be other solutions that could give the NDP a larger role despite its smaller caucus. He commended Davies for putting forward constructive ideas that respect the traditions of the NDP, and stated that they will continue to work on finding a resolution.

Overall, the NDP’s quest for official party status in the House of Commons continues to be a topic of discussion and negotiation. Despite the challenges they face, Davies and the NDP are determined to advocate for the voices of their supporters and play a meaningful role in Canadian politics.