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A new day for the NDP in 1972

Broadcast Date: Nov. 3, 1972

New Democratic Party Leader David Lewis is holding his cards close to his chest. The results from the 1972 election have Pierre Trudeau's Liberals and Robert Stanfield's Conservatives tightly matched. In this CBC Radio excerpt, Max Ferguson examines the new dynamics between the three leaders. When the final recount is performed, the Liberals hold 109 seats to the Conservatives 107; the NDP have secured 31 seats. Without a party majority, the NDP has the tactical power to influence legislation in a wholly unprecedented manner.

A new day for the NDP in 1972

• In the 1972 election, the NDP campaigned on the successful platform of attacking "corporate welfare bums."
• From 1972 to 1974, the Liberals were forced to defer to the NDP since they had the power to pass or block controversial bills through the power of their 31 votes.

• During this time, the NDP rallied to pass social reform bills including unemployment insurance and greater provisions for senior citizens.
• In 1974, Lewis' party made a vote of no-confidence against Trudeau's budget. Parliament was accordingly dissolved and another federal election was called. The Liberals rallied and won a 1974 majority government with 141 seats to the Tories' 95. The NDP claimed 16 seats, losing its crucial role as kingmaker.

• David Lewis was born on June 23, 1909 in Svisloch, Russia. He led the NDP from 1971 and retired in 1975. He died on May 23, 1981 in Ottawa. Lewis' children Janet Solberg and Stephen and Michael Lewis played an active role in the NDP.
• In the 1988 federal election, the NDP enjoyed a comeback under the leadership of Ed Broadbent. Capturing 20.38 per cent of the popular vote, the NDP won a record 43 seats.

A new day for the NDP in 1972

Medium: Radio

Program: The Max Ferguson Show

Broadcast Date: Nov. 3, 1972

Performer: Max Ferguson

Duration: 6:31

Photo: National Archives

Last updated:
Nov. 4, 2010