MONTEBELLO, Que. — Tom Mulcair vowed Tuesday to make sure the New Democrats do not lose sight of their identity as they attempt to rebuild from last year's crushing election defeat.
During a speech at his party's caucus treat in Montebello, Que., Mulcair promised to ensure the NDP remains loyal to its leftist roots.
Some observers have criticized the party for failing to convey a progressive message during the last federal election, which cost the party a number of high-profile MPs, including Halifax's Megan Leslie and Ottawa's Paul Dewar.
"As New Democrats, we believe that a Canadian job will always be more important than profit margins or the value of a stock," Mulcair said.
"I am here to say that we will not abandon the social democratic vision for Canada. We will not lose sight of who we are and who we fight for."
It is equally important to articulate the NDP's plan effectively to Canadians, Mulcair added.
Dewar, who was appointed to help the party in its transition following the election, said some supporters believe the NDP struggled to convey its ideas during the campaign.
"In terms of the election, what I've been hearing from people, is that when they saw the platform, they were very happy with it," Dewar said.
"We had challenges in terms of getting our message out. That's something that is an important focus for us right now."
Ontario NDP MP Charlie Angus, who was named caucus president on Tuesday, said he has heard similar complaints.
"I think the issue in the campaign is we ran an extremely progressive platform," Angus said. "The question is did we sell it as a progressive platform.'"
Angus would not point fingers, however, at the NDP's chief salesman — its leader.
"Mr. Mulcair's work in our caucus will be to ... re-establish with our base, build that confidence, and hold Mr. Trudeau to account for the many promises he made to Canadians who are expecting him to deliver."
New Democrats, who now hold 44 seats, will continue to meet over the next two days for team sessions before returning to the Commons next week.
Mulcair is also expected to meet with the NDP executive this weekend as work continues to examine what contributed to the party's tumble to third-party status.
