Tom Mulcair: NDP must articulate its social democratic vision to Canadians

Main pic: NDP leader Tom Mulcair visiting with campaign volunteers Monday, October 19, 2015 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz.

MONTEBELLO, Que. — Tom Mulcair is vowing to make sure the New Democrats don’t lose sight of their identity as they begin to rebuild from last year’s devastating election defeat.

Mulcair, speaking to caucus members at a retreat in the resort community of Montebello, Que., has been facing persistent questions about his own political future.

He says the NDP will not abandon its social democratic vision for Canada, but adds that it’s important the party be able to articulate its vision to Canadians.

Some observers criticized the party for failing to convey a progressive message during the last federal election, which cost the party many high-profile MPs, including Halifax’s Megan Leslie and Ottawa’s Paul Dewar.

New Democrats, who now hold 44 seats, will meet over the next two days for a team retreat before returning to the Commons next week.

Mulcair is also expected to meet with the NDP executive this weekend as work continues to examine what contributed to the party’s tumble to third-party status.

The Canadian Press