NDP candidate and party president Mary Shortall says fear in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats on Canada contributed to the collapse of national NDP support in the federal election.
The New Democrats achieved just 7 seats in the House of Commons, well below the 12 seat threshold for official party status. That will affect federal party funding and it means that the NDP won’t be able to ask questions in Question Period.
Leader Jagmeet Singh lost his seat in Burnaby Central and will step down as leader once an interim leader is chosen.
Jagmeet Singh (CPAC)
In St. John’s East, Shortall came in a distant third with just over 11 per cent of the votes cast. Shortall told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly that she views the collapse of the New Democratic vote, not as a rejection of the party’s values, but as a snapshot in time.
Shortall believes the NDP fell victim to the fear Canadians are facing in the face of threats made by U.S. President Donald Trump. “People were afraid, people are scared of what’s happening south of the border. They’re scared about what’s happening within the country, and I think that’s fueled in many ways, the way people voted.”
She admits the outcome was devastating, and the rebuilding process begins, a feat that she says will be difficult.
“There will be a lot of reflection,” and the executive will come together to go over its constitution “and the process and timelines around replacing the leader and all that stuff.” She says there will be plenty of soul-searching and strategizing on ways to rebuild the party.
