NDP Loses Official Party Status With Seven Seats in Parliament

Following a significant loss in the recent federal election, the New Democratic Party (NDP) fell short of the 12-seat threshold required for official party status in the House of Commons, holding only seven seats. As a result, the party will lose key privileges including guaranteed question period participation, assured committee seats, and access to financial and administrative resources. Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon emphasized that the legal requirement must be upheld, denying the NDP's calls for an exemption despite examples from provincial legislatures. Interim NDP leader Don Davies expressed optimism about the party's continued influence, noting that in a minority Parliament, even a small number of seats can hold the balance of power and provide opportunities to promote progressive policies and hold the government accountable. Davies also indicated ongoing discussions to secure some privileges typically reserved for official parties. The NDP previously lost official status in 1993 and regained it in 1997, and their current setback follows the resignation of former leader Jagmeet Singh after losing his seat.