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Interim NDP leader Don Davies confirmed ongoing discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government regarding official party status in the House of Commons. The NDP currently holds seven seats, falling short of the 12-seat threshold required for this designation, which would restore vital parliamentary resources.
Interim NDP leader Don Davies revealed that his party is engaged in early discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government about securing official party status in the House of Commons. Following the recent general election, the NDP holds only seven seats, below the 12-seat threshold required for this designation, which would provide critical parliamentary resources. Parties without official status miss out on essential funding and reduced participation in question periods. Davies stated that ensuring resources for their caucus is a priority to advocate for the 1.2 million Canadians who voted for them. He noted that several provincial parties have previously achieved official status despite not meeting the seat threshold. Many NDP staff members have been laid off due to the loss of funding since the election. The party is exploring alternative resources and community engagement strategies to strengthen grassroots support. Additionally, Davies confirmed that they are setting up a framework for a leadership contest to find a permanent replacement for former leader Jagmeet Singh.