Voters should give NDP consideration

It’s been said that election campaigns can change everything, and the past two weeks prove that. Elizabeth May’s earlier momentum has stalled amid an awkward defection scandal, the separatist leanings of her new Quebec MP and questions as to whether or not Green MPs can be counted on to protect a woman’s right to choose; and what started as a “sleepy” election campaign for Justin Trudeau has been jolted awake by the revelation of multiple incidents of black and brown face, a practice offensive and hurtful to many racialized Canadians. Only Andrew Scheer has been more or less predictable.

However, added to these surprises has been the redemption of Jagmeet Singh. Long plagued by negative media coverage and low polling numbers, the NDP leader has finally found his stride. According to many observers, his campaign launch was flawless, he won the first leaders’ debate and perhaps most important, his response to the brownface controversy demonstrated real leadership (no partisan swipes, just an empathetic appeal).

The Liberals are framing this election as a dichotomous “choice” between a majority government for them and one for the Tories, but that’s not how our system works. Minority parliaments have often been productive and add a layer of accountability often lacking in our system. Were it not for a minority Parliament and strong NDP during the 1960s, medicare might never have become a reality nationwide.

Singh has put forward an agenda promising real pharmacare, dental care, affordable housing, public transportation and renewable energy job creation with tax hikes on the wealthy to pay for it. Progressive voters disillusioned with Liberal fecklessness and broken promises would do well to give the NDP consideration.

A minority Parliament might just put those popular policies on the agenda, and the way to ensure this outcome across most of Canada is to vote NDP.

Chris Gilmore, Ottawa