New Democrats split on their deal with Liberals, seek harder line from Singh
By The Canadian Press on October 13, 2023.
HAMILTON – New Democrats attending the party’s policy convention are split over the deal their party has struck with the Liberals, as senior leadership focuses on pitching the NDP as the change voters are looking for in the next federal election. The NDP has spent nearly 17 months helping keep the minority Liberal government in power under a confidence-and-supply agreement. The three-day convention in Hamilton is the first to be held since the deal was struck by party leader Jagmeet Singh. Some delegates say they approve of Singh’s leadership, but they either oppose the deal he made or feel he needs to be more aggressive in pushing for their own initiatives. Alanna Johnston, who’s from Toronto, says the NDP is not getting the credit it deserves for pushing through key initiatives such as universal dental care. Lukas Oakley, from Paris, Ont., says Singh needs to be willing to pull out of the deal if the party doesn’t get its way, especially with implementing pharmacare. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 13, 2023. 8-7
