The Alberta NDP is facing an existential debate over its automatic affiliation with the federal NDP, as members of the provincial party are also automatically members of the federal party. This linkage has caused complications for the Alberta NDP in the past and continues to create political challenges as it seeks to gain power in the next election. Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi joining the leadership race brought increased attention to the party, with candidate Rakhi Pancholi immediately dropping out to support him. Nenshi believes it is time for the Alberta NDP to sever ties with the federal party, arguing that the costs of this alliance outweigh the benefits.
Several other candidates, including Kathleen Ganley, have expressed openness to the idea of cutting ties with the federal NDP. Concerns have been raised about the policy restrictions that come with this affiliation, particularly on energy and environmental issues, which are crucial in a province like Alberta where the economy is heavily reliant on non-renewable resources like the oilsands. The relationship between the two parties was strained in 2018 when the federal NDP criticized the Alberta government’s support for the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, causing public backlash and undermining the party’s credibility in the eyes of voters.
Former Alberta NDP leader Ray Martin argues that there is strength and pride in the shared history between the provincial and federal NDP, dating back to Tommy Douglas, who is considered the father of medicare in Canada. However, Nenshi’s comments about cutting ties have not been well-received by some party members who value this historical connection. Sarah Hoffman, another leadership candidate, believes that the party does not need to sever ties to attract voters, as long as they are able to effectively communicate their values and ideology to the public without watering them down or repackaging them as something else.
Political scientist Lori Williams suggests that severing ties with the federal NDP may help the Alberta party appeal to a broader segment of the electorate, including former Progressive Conservatives who feel alienated by the rightward shift of the current government. The controversial debate over the relationship between the provincial and federal NDP is not limited to external voices, with some candidates and party members acknowledging the need for a discussion on this issue. The new Alberta NDP leader is set to be announced in June, with the current candidates in the race expressing varying positions on the potential separation from the federal party.
