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New Democratic Party

The New Democratic Party (NDP) is a Canadian federal political party founded in 1961.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The New Democratic Party (NDP) is a Canadian federal political party founded on August 3, 1961. It is generally associated with social democratic and democratic socialist policies, and it has been led since March 2026 by Avi Lewis. The party is one of Canada’s major federal political parties and is positioned on the left of the political spectrum.

History

The New Democratic Party was formed on August 3, 1961, through the merger of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation, the Canadian Labour Congress, and the New Party. It became the successor to the CCF as Canada’s principal social democratic federal party.

Leadership

Jagmeet Singh led the party from 2017 until his resignation in 2025. Don Davies then served as interim leader until Avi Lewis won the leadership election in March 2026.

Policy platform

The NDP is associated with social democratic policy positions, including stronger labour protections, expanded public services, affordable housing, climate action, and broader social welfare measures. Stated federal policy priorities commonly include public healthcare, workers’ rights, affordability measures, climate action, and social programs.

Parliamentary representation

The party’s seat count has fluctuated significantly over time. Following the 2025 federal election, the NDP fell to 6 seats in the House of Commons and lost official party status.

Key facts

The NDP was founded on August 3, 1961, from a merger of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation, the Canadian Labour Congress, and the New Party.
It is a major Canadian federal party positioned on the left of the political spectrum.
Avi Lewis became party leader in March 2026, succeeding interim leader Don Davies after Jagmeet Singh's resignation in 2025.
After the 2025 federal election, the NDP held 6 seats and lost official party status in the House of Commons.
The party's policy priorities include public healthcare, workers' rights, climate action, and social programs.

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Canadian context

The NDP is a major Canadian federal party, and its policies and seat count directly affect Canadian parliamentary politics and federal opposition debates.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the leader of the NDP?

The current leader of the federal NDP is Avi Lewis, elected in March 2026.

What does NDP stand for?

NDP stands for New Democratic Party.

When was the NDP founded?

The NDP was founded on August 3, 1961.

What are NDP policies?

The NDP is generally associated with social democratic policies such as expanded public healthcare, labour rights, climate action, affordable housing, and social welfare programs.

How many seats does the NDP have?

Following the 2025 federal election, the NDP held 6 seats in the House of Commons.

References

New Democratic Party of Canada — https://www.ndp.ca/news/avi-lewis-elected-leader-ndp
Supports: Avi Lewis elected leader in March 2026.
New Democratic Party of Canada — https://www.ndp.ca/news/new-democrats-select-don-davies-interim-leader
Supports: Don Davies served as interim leader after Jagmeet Singh's resignation.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/New-Democratic-Party-political-party
Supports: Party ideology and historical overview of the NDP as a Canadian social democratic party.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Democratic_Party
Supports: Founded date, merger origins, headquarters, membership, and 2025 seat count.
BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd74q2nqp0o
Supports: Avi Lewis elected leader and the NDP's reduced seat count after the 2025 election.
The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/new-democratic-party
Supports: Leadership transition from Jagmeet Singh and general party background.