The still elusive goal of winning federal power notwithstanding, the CCF-NDP has persisted across the decades because social democracy has continued to hold profound appeal among millions of Canadians.
Contemporary social democracy is not equipped to take up the first of these options without a fundamental re-foundation ideologically, programmatically, and organizationally. Is such a deep reinvention possible by Canadian social democrats?
By continuously framing legislation secured through the SACA within a narrative of dysfunction, opposition, and obstruction, the NDP struggled to present itself as a constructive force in Parliament.
Elements of a redistributive and working-class agenda are already in demand, but many voters and especially the working class, feel politically alienated and disaffected that their interests are not being pursued.
“As social democrats we aim to build solidarity and global justice with like-minded people around the world. But we need to hold tightly to the international institutions and norms that Canadians have helped to build over decades.”
A pioneer of Canadian prairie socialism, E.A. Partridge was a radical farmer who organized Saskatchewan grain growers in the face of rampant price fixing.
Faith and progressive politics are not inherently incompatible. But the rise of Christian nationalism is putting public policy at odds with religion.
There are many lessons for today’s labour organizers and social democrats to learn from the FPU as a mass party, such as its deep entrenchment within struggling working-class communities, and the alternative economic and financial institutions it built.
Sous sa nouvelle direction politique, Québec solidaire pourrait réussir à rallier l’imaginaire et à susciter l’enthousiasme des Québécois·e·s progressistes en vue des élections générales de 2026.
