An orange shock wave rolled over the Canadian political landscape yesterday. In its wake Tom Mulcair’s leadership of the NDP came to a sudden, even shocking end. Some time ago I made the case for why the NDP should choose a new leader. I was surprised as anyone else, when the NDP saw things the same way.
Looking objectively at an election where the party lost the lead, half their seats, and the best chance they have ever had to form government, it is only our surprise which should surprise us. Several pundits thought Mr. Mulcair might not make the 70% threshold of support, and need to make a tough decision. Virtually no one thought support would be so low, the party would make that decision for him. (more…)