A year ago, Jagmeet Singh, the former leader of the NDP, emphasized in his Labor Day message the party’s commitment to supporting Canadian workers and their unions. During the federal election in Windsor, Ontario, Singh attempted to offer solace to workers affected by new auto tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. However, he was largely ignored by the workers, with many expressing a preference for the Conservatives and their leader, Pierre Poilievre. This indicated a diminishing loyalty of union voters towards the NDP.
The election results confirmed the NDP’s challenges as the party failed to win any seats in Ontario, including in union-heavy areas like Hamilton and Windsor. This highlighted a significant shift in Canada’s political landscape, where the NDP can no longer rely on the unwavering support of labor unions and workers.
According to Sen. Hassan Yussuff, a former president of the Canadian Labor Congress, the approximately four million unionized workers in Canada now hold greater influence, prompting political parties to adjust their strategies to appeal to this demographic. Both the Liberals and Conservatives have realigned their policies towards organized labor over the past decade, while the NDP acknowledges the need to reconnect with its origins and the working class.
Interim NDP Leader Don Davies stressed the party’s founding principle of amplifying workers’ voices at the federal level. Despite receiving endorsements from major labor organizations, the NDP faced challenges as some union members gravitated towards the Conservatives in manufacturing towns. Yussuff emphasized that unions are diverse in their political affiliations, debunking the myth that all unionized workers support the NDP.
Amanda Galbraith, a Conservative strategist, pointed out the efforts made by politicians like Ontario Premier Doug Ford and former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole to attract working-class voters. She highlighted a shift in Conservative messaging away from a pro-business image to broaden their voter base. Galbraith criticized former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for veering too far left on social issues, creating an opportunity for the Conservatives to appeal to a broader audience.
Steven High, a history professor, noted a global shift towards right-wing populism and highlighted the Conservatives’ success in capturing seats in industrial towns. He mentioned the impact of Trump’s tariff policies on the last election, which disrupted Conservative plans. High observed that right-wing populist parties are adapting their messages to appeal to working-class voters and are engaging with organized labor more than before.
Charlie Angus, a veteran NDP MP, acknowledged the wake-up call from the election results and stressed the strained relationship between organized labor and the NDP. Angus highlighted a disconnect between the party and unions, noting a shift towards data-driven strategies over traditional union connections. He emphasized the NDP’s original mission to represent the working class and expressed a need to realign with that purpose.
The changing dynamics in Canadian politics signal a reevaluation of party strategies to appeal to the evolving sentiments of the working class and labor unions.