Now that the dust has settled, it is easier to be analytical. I have felt the highs and lows of NDP campaigns over the past two decades. Moments like election night on May 2 filled me with great excitement but also trepidation. When the NDP hit 44 seats won as the results rolled in, there was utter joy. It had happened; we had surpassed the previous high water mark. Jubilation erupt- ed in the Metro Toronto Convention Cen- tre where I was watching the returns, but there was a sense it wasn’t nearly enough and that in fact more was to come. And we wanted more. Maybe it was possible that we were watching our federal dream comes true. There was a palpable shift in the col- lective experience. The game had changed. The night was indeed historical and for-
ever etched in the minds of all of us who watched it unfold, as well as the NDP supporters from across the country who had worked tirelessly over the years. The new Parliament will be staking out some signifi-
cant new territory on all sides of the political divide. As Parliament resumes, all MPs and parties are finding their way. Hopefully, the more experienced Members are helping their new and less experienced colleagues acclimate to the surroundings both on big issues of policy, but also on the little things like finding the ATM in the West Block (in the canteen vestibule).
”If you want to be prime minis- ter, you’d better learn how to be a member of Parliament first.” Layton said to Ignatieff during the televised debate. “You know, most Canadians, if they don’t show up for work they don’t get a promotion. You missed 70% of the votes.”
As for Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, it is not comprised of a rag-tag group of political neophytes as some might deign to suggest. To be sure, there were surprises and dis- appointments as there always are on election night. In the end however, that night saw some incredible legislators and public policy makers elected coast to coast to coast. Cana- dians elected MPs who represent a rich tapestry of unique backgrounds and life experiences upon which to draw. There were new types of politicians being elected, in different par-
ties, and especially and proudly, in the NDP. The diversity of the new and expanded NDP caucus will allow for more hon- est dialogue reflecting the lives and struggles of hard working Canadians, (or working families, or ordinary Canadians, or whichever political euphemism you choose), and hopefully, even with a majority government, the legislation coming out of Ottawa will reflect that. There are notes of caution however for the NDP as this
new era begins. This is an NDP caucus that could, if they are disciplined, be a significant force on the Hill and for genera- tions to come. What’s the most significant challenge for the NDP over the next four years? To be disciplined enough to propose and oppose while growing its base. Which is easier said than done. Also critical will be for the Party to remember that things
are different for the NDP; they need to own the fact that they are now the “Official” Opposition. It is easy to lose the political edge without the immediacy of a minority govern- ment or to relax a bit after such a drawn-out political cam- paign. It is an important reminder as much for the veterans as for the rookies, that slip ups which may have been forgiven or ignored when you were the fourth party are no longer charming as the party mandated to hold the Government to account. Past mistakes could have serious consequences if repeated. There are lessons to be learned from the “Ontario experience”. For the NDP they are no longer spectators, they are now the main combatants in the new political game. As they gath- er for their 50th Anniversary celebrations and beyond, the NDP have a new choice to make. Are they contenders or merely content?
Kim Wright has been involved in political life at all three levels of government over the past twenty years. She is a Senior Associate with Sussex Strategy Group and has been a grassroots organizer and strategist for various NDP campaigns. She can be reached via email
kwright@sussex-strategy.com or via Twitter @lobbygrl
June 2011 | Campaigns & Elections 45
Picture courtesy of
www.ndp.ca
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