The New Democrats are convening at their party convention today to address a multitude of pressing issues. One of the most significant topics on the table is the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Several emergency resolutions have been tabled, focusing on the Middle East conflict. While many of these condemn the attacks by Hamas militants, there is also a distinct call for a ceasefire in the tumultuous Gaza region.
Given the constraints of time, with just 30 minutes allocated for discussion, not all proposed resolutions will see the light of day. Party delegates are anticipated to give preference to those with the most significant implications for the party and the nation.
A Push for Pharmacare Commitment
A notable resolution which has been prioritized for discussion requires the NDP to re-evaluate their partnership in the confidence-and-supply deal. The stipulation? The Liberals must pledge their commitment to an entirely public and universal pharmacare program. This motion underscores the NDP’s long-standing commitment to healthcare reform and has the potential to redefine the party’s relationship with the governing Liberals.
Leadership Under the Microscope
Jagmeet Singh, who has been at the NDP’s helm since 2017, is bracing for a mandatory leadership review. This is the first time Singh will face such scrutiny since the 2021 election. For Singh, the stakes are high. In the previous convention held in April of the same year, a resounding 87 per cent of party delegates voted against initiating a leadership race. Singh’s performance and the party’s direction under his leadership will be under keen observation, potentially shaping the future of the NDP.
