New Democratic Party
The New Democratic Party or NDP is a democratic socialist Canadian political party and the current Official Opposition. Its current leader is Jack Layton. It is noted for being the party of Tommy Douglas[1], founder of Canada's universal healthcare system. Said of Douglas "He pursued his radical ideas relentlessly until they became so mainstream rival politicians claimed them as their own". Douglas also criticized liberalism. [2]
The NDP has traditionally been an opponent to both the Conservative Party and Liberal Party as well as the separatist Bloc Quebecois. From their recent success in the 2011 elections the NDP beat their all time record of 43 seats of the Ed Broadbent era with 103 seats making them the official opposition, although they still have little to no power as the Conservatives have a majority government.
Some of the main issues on the party's platform include; Increasing social programs such as public health care and eduction and a raise in taxes of all forms.
