The NDP, it is well known, is in deep trouble. With seven seats and 6.3 per cent of the popular vote in the recent election, the party posted its worst showing, not only since its founding, but since the founding of its predecessor, the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation, in 1935.
Leaderless, deprived of official party status in the House of Commons and the perqs that go with it (money, staff, committee seats, recognition, credibility), the party has launched a months-long “review and renewal process.” Only after that is completed will the leadership race get under way. It could be next spring before the party has a leader.
