What Is The Point Of The NDP?

This is not meant to be an inflammatory topic - if someone can think of a more fitting title, please tell.

My question to the New Democrats, and all political junkies of the board is this:

What is the purpose of the NDP?

It is a party that has never been in power in Canada, and thus has a minimum of influence in Canadian politics. When a party has a roof of about 45 seats in a Parliament of 308, what purpose does it serve?

Sure, the New Democrats are able to get a more socialist budget published during the rare minority governments in Canada, but they aren't often, and even less often are Liberal. We have also seen the New Democrats fall after assisting minority government's pass budgets, with the recent exception of Jack Layton's NDP.

We have watched as the Liberals have drifted further and further right, until a Jean Chretien government with Paul Martin as Prime Minister began to look as regressive as any Conservative government ever has. We've seen fiscal slashing, social conservatism from the vast majority of rural and Scarborough Liberals, and we've seen the Liberal Party essentially become the Conservative Party on a number of issues.

Now, with the rise of the Green Party, we see that the New Democrats are falling like they never have before. We are seeing New Democrat numbers similar to Audrey McLoughlin years. We are seeing a possible wipeout of New Democrat numbers. Even if the NDP's numbers were significantly higher, we would see them pick up about 5 srats.

Frankly, the NDP's electoral prospects are dim at best.

Undoubtedly, there will be those who will say that the New Democrats influence policy from out of the party, by putting pressure on the Liberals.

Now, here is my question: Instead of splitting the left wing vote, and complaining when the Liberals are too conservative, why do New Democrats not join the Liberals and make an attempt to influence the party towards the left wing, and put pressure on them in that manner?

Undoubtedly this would be successful, as we have seen a number of Liberals who could have been New Democrats, such as Sheila Copps, succeed in the Liberal Party. With the membership of the New Democrats, surely the Liberals would take a hard left turn?

Anyways, back to my original question: What is the purpose of the NDP?

The purpose of the NDP is to be a truly progressive voice in Canada. To advance the cause of social justice. Worker's rights. Human rights. The environment. To be a voice against those who would pander to big business with needless tax cuts. To be a voice against the illegal invasions of other countries. to be a party with what the Liberals sometimes don't, and what the Conservatives and particularly Reformers/Alliancers never had - heart.

Also why not merge with the Liberals? Because we're not willing to dilute our stand just for a chance at power like the Reformers.

the only purpose I can think of is occupying space and blowing hot air. And well... they do atleast try to champion causes that the other parties dont take seriously, but wheather thats just desperation for votes or actuall compasion there's no way to know.

They never come close to power, they can be the "what the hell?" party, which ensures they never get into power. It's funny but sad. I actually like the NDP more than the Liberals because they actually have principals, although sometimes they are way outside reality.
They also do a great job of splitting the left's vote.

Like Hurley said, the NDP are a potential voters' choice for a socialistic voice in parliament. And while they may never become the majority party they still have a use. In minority governments, they can extract concessions in exchange for propping up a government.

Just because they don't have a chance of forming the government (though you never know....), doesn't mean that the party is irrelevant. just as an example, in Israel, there was a party formed some years ago who's sole purpose was to make it so that El Al (Israel's national airline)didn't fly on the Sabbath.

Israel has a form of proportional representation which makes it possible for single issue parties to come and go. The NDP has become a dumping ground for all the fringe party supporters that cant win a seat. Half its policies are in direct contradiction to the other half.

In my opinion the NDP exists to represent the far left in Canada

I beleive that the NDP offers a balance to Conservative views. Where as the liberals are just a bunch of 2 faced politicians that will tell you one thing, and then do another.

I still support the NDP with concept of universal healthcare, unions, human rights. But I dont support their same-sex friendly policy. I don't support their anti-gun policy. I don't support their kiss azz native policy. NDP used to mean that it was here for the working man and working family, now it seems to latch onto every damn minority cause it can find. And, most importantly it supports the same hidden agenda of firearm confiscation that the liberals support. it seem like they have latched onto every gay, lesbian, anti-war hippy, pot smoking, give me a hand-out, support the CBC not matter what, paranoid of american culture, crackpot in Canada.