Western NDP candidates focus on their ground game — and keeping their seats

When Premier Wab Kinew met federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh at the legislature in Winnipeg on Tuesday night, the cameras captured a Manitoba-friendly greeting, but not a public endorsement for Singh’s national campaign. However, this does not mean that Kinew’s party does not support Singh’s team. Elmwood–Transcona candidate Leila Dance confirmed that Manitoba New Democrats have turned up and helped out at Singh’s event the next morning.

Kinew had previously endorsed Dance when she first ran in a byelection last September. Given that the previous MP for the riding, Daniel Blaikie, left his seat to work as an adviser to the premier, the question of whether Kinew would endorse her again remains. Dance, however, expressed confidence, stating that she is focused on her riding and the door-knocking strategy that has proven successful for her in the past.

Despite national polls projecting a potential decrease in seats for Singh’s party, New Democrats have a strong ground game that has defied expectations in the past. For example, in the February Ontario election, the NDP vote was efficient enough to return New Democrats as the province’s Opposition, despite trailing in polling and the popular vote.

In Western Canada, the NDP governs in two provinces (British Columbia, Manitoba) and competes strongly as the Opposition party in the other two (Alberta, Saskatchewan). This political muscle may prove crucial for Singh’s campaign.

During Singh’s campaign tour, common ground was found with Nenshi, the soon-to-be new provincial leader in Alberta. Heather McPherson, running for re-election in Edmonton, emphasized the importance of New Democrats in defeating Conservatives in Alberta.

The tour also started on the left coast in B.C., where half of Singh’s caucus in the previous Parliament represented ridings. Candidate Laurel Collins expressed confidence in their ground game and the momentum building in the province.

While there is a risk of a resurgent Liberal vote complicating the election in B.C., long-time MP Don Davies remains optimistic about the NDP’s strong support in the province. Despite the rising Liberal fortunes, Davies believes in the party’s reputation for delivering excellent representation to the people of B.C.

As the campaign progresses, the NDP faces challenges in maintaining party status and support. Polling suggests a decline in support for the party, posing a risk of losing seats in the House of Commons. Singh’s meeting with B.C. Premier David Eby highlighted the need to address climate policy concerns that could affect voter support.

Overall, the NDP’s campaign strategy focuses on grassroots efforts, strong constituency representation, and building on their provincial successes in Western Canada. While the road ahead may be challenging, the party remains determined to fight for their values and secure a strong presence in the upcoming federal election.