From Layton to Singh: The 20-Year Conflict Behind the NDP's Deal with the Trudeau Liberals

by Matt Fodor

On the surface the story of the federal NDP in the 21st century can be told as a story of its leaders ― the optimism of the Jack Layton era; the disappointment of Tom Mulcair, the energizing popularity of Jagmeet Singh with young voters. But the real story is the ongoing internal power and ideological conflict between social democrats and Orange liberals.

Author Matt Fodor describes how, over 20 years, centrists gradually consolidated their power, turning the party to the right. He highlights how the tensions have played out as activists drawn to socialist ideals contend with card-carrying party members chasing political power.

The NDP’s low point came with the disastrous 2015 election when Trudeau’s Liberals outflanked the NDP on the left. Matt Fodor describes the impact on the party of Jagmeet Singh’s leadership, from its rocky first days to the campaigns of 2019 and 2021 and the role the party has played in minority Parliaments. He offers an account of the changes that would allow the federal party to hew more closely to the ideals and beliefs of its members.

Fodor bases his narrative on sources including party insiders and defectors alike.

Genres: Politics

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2022

Reviews

[Kayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly, an informative read. The only thing missing was more of a central thesis. I’m not sure where Fodo falls of the debates he comments on. I think he would prefer the NDP be more socialist and more principled, despite the risk of losing votes, but I don’t think he says this clearly enough. I would rather have something more opinionated. However, the information is there and presented very clearly, which is great for someone like me who was seeking a refresher in Canadian politics from the NDP perspective. 7/10

[Matthew Stienberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid review of the path of the Federal NDP from the early Layton years to the most recent deals in 2022. A left leaning book, it does criticize the federal part for prioritizing party discipline and seat running while leaving its traditional organizing and grassroots to wither, which has undoubtedly hurt them. For anyone wondering where the NDP stands on the national level, this book will keep you informed.

[Donald Leitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was somewhat disappointed in this book. It certainly provided a useful chronology of events, however I was hoping for more insight and discussion around the various political courses taken, such as moving towards the centre in 2015. The ongoing debate for the federal NDP is whether it should be the party of conscience or a party seeking power. Disappointingly, this book did not answer that question for me.

[Nolan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed by the lack of insight into the politics themselves, and found this to be an informative but uninspiring historical chronicle. Occasionally, the author makes sweeping claims without evidence, which undermines the validity of any analysis beyond rote statistics or direct quotes. You will also be gratingly visited by the phrase "outflanked on the Left/Right", as a shorthand for policy explanation, at least a dozen times to my recollection.

Better than Wikipedia, but not what I was hoping for.

[Callum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fair balanced history of this period of the NDPs history.

[andie]

Super detailed account of the history of the NDP over the last two decades