Canada’s recently elected NDP leader has revealed the roles for critics in his six-member caucus in Ottawa, appointing his former rival Heather McPherson as House leader. Describing the MPs as a “progressive guiding light in the House” in an official statement, Avi Lewis emphasized that the New Democrats are “unified and sharply focused on the daily challenges faced by Canadians.”
Having decisively secured the leadership last month, Lewis triumphed over McPherson, the sole MP in the race, with a 56 percent majority. As Lewis does not hold a seat in the House of Commons, McPherson’s designation as his chief deputy carries significant weight, given his inability to participate in votes, debates, or easily access parliamentary areas reserved for MPs.
Expressing a deliberate approach towards winning a seat, Lewis articulated his intention to concentrate on nationwide travel to rejuvenate support for the NDP and raise funds. McPherson will resume her previous responsibilities as critic for foreign affairs and international development, in addition to international trade, seniors, and heritage, roles she temporarily relinquished during her bid for leadership.
Alexandre Boulerice, who has been speculated to be contemplating a shift to provincial politics in Quebec, will retain his current critic duties in environment and climate change, labor, transportation, and official languages. The sole fluent French-speaking MP from Quebec, Boulerice humorously referred to himself in the past as “the spokesperson for every issue in French.”
At a byelection event in the University-Rosedale riding in Toronto on Wednesday, Lewis disclosed to CBC News that he is awaiting Boulerice’s decision regarding his continuity within the New Democrats. Lewis affirmed, “Everyone knows I looked him in the eye and said: please stay. But we’re prepared for his decision in the coming days.”
Evidencing a resilient stance, the New Democrats encountered a setback prior to their convention when Lori Idlout, the NDP MP for Nunavut, defected to join the Liberal Party. Don Davies, the Vancouver MP who served as the party’s interim leader for almost a year after Jagmeet Singh’s departure, will persist in his role as critic for finance, industry, and jobs.
Although the NDP declared a total debt of $13 million at the previous convention, Davies projected a decrease in the figure due to HST and local campaign rebates. With these factors considered, the New Democrats anticipate being in debt of $9.5 million. Davies will additionally undertake the roles of parliamentary leader and whip, alongside serving as the critic for defense and natural resources.
Leah Gazan, the MP from Winnipeg, will assume the responsibilities of critic for Indigenous affairs and Arctic sovereignty while retaining her critique of women and gender equality, children, families, social development, individuals with disabilities, post-secondary education, and skills training. Jenny Kwan, the MP from Vancouver, will transition into the NDP’s new justice critic while continuing to oversee housing, immigration, infrastructure, public safety, and national security portfolios.
Remaining steadfast in his positions, Gord Johns, the MP from Vancouver Island, will persist as the critic for health, tourism, fisheries, oceans, veterans affairs, agriculture, and emergency preparedness. Despite lacking official party status, the NDP does not have guaranteed speaking opportunities during question period, but historically has been granted one question towards the end of the session.
Furthermore, New Democrat MPs are excluded from participation in House of Commons committees, significantly limiting their ability to influence proposed legislation. During the leadership competition, Lewis highlighted the party’s circumstances in Ottawa as a rationale for prioritizing the rejuvenation of the NDP outside the capital, rather than focusing on securing a seat personally.