New Democratic Party
The New Democratic Party was founded in 1961, bringing together the Prairie-based Co-operative
Commonwealth Federation and the unions of the Canadian Labour Congress.
On its website  , the party describes itself as "a clear democratic socialist political alternative."
But with just 14 members in the House of Commons, it's often difficult for them to be
heard.
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Jack Layton |
The party has enjoyed some revived interest lately, with the selection of its new
leader, Jack
Layton , and some polls suggest that its popularity has risen somewhat
since the advent of the federal sponsorship scandal.
According to the NDP, job creation should be Canada's top economic priority. The party accuses the Liberals of abandoning workers, and reducing access to Employment Insurance and training programs.
The NDP also says health care is being underfunded. It would immediately increase the federal share of health-care funding to 25 per cent, and work to institute national home-care and pharmacare programs. The party says national standards would guarantee access to the same quality of health care for all.
The party also advocates for the decriminalization of marijuana. The NDP says drug policies should be health-based, and focus on harm reduction, not criminalization. The party argues that criminalization encourages the illegal drug trade.
Education is high on the list of priorities for the party. The NDP says it would lower tuitions, introduce federal grants for post-secondary education, and offer interest-free student loans.
On the international stage, the NDP would like to see new trade and investment rules that take the environment, human rights, labour standards and cultural diversity into consideration. It wants culture, health, education and water exempted from trade agreements.
The party is using attacks on Paul Martin as a large part of its campaign strategy. It's criticizing his practices as a businessman and as finance minister. In March, Layton laid out a plan to reduce the influence of lobbyists on the Prime Minister's Office.
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