Hosts Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins break down the opening weeks of the federal NDP leadership race, newly declared candidate Avi Lewis, controversial hopefuls, and the divergent directions contenders are staking out.

Join us as we review the party's latest actions in support of labour rights—putting forward a private member’s bill to remove Section 107 from the Canada Labour Code—along with questions about maintaining unity on the left, and what this leadership fight means for the NDP’s future strategy.

More information: 

New Democrats challenge Liberals on right for workers to strike 

Hosts Kallee Lins and Jaime Frederick are joined by Christian Audette to explore the growing shift of working-class voters from the NDP to the Conservatives.

Christian is a local organiser and small business owner in the Niagara region of Ontario. After working on both federal and provincial campaigns, he has on-the-ground insights to share about voters' economic anxiety, provincial vs. federal dynamics, and practical steps the NDP can take to reconnect with working-class communities.

As the NDP leadership race warms up, Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins  explore the rules and dynamics shaping the contest and assess the early contenders.

Yves Engler, an outspoken activist, raises questions about barriers to entry and accuses the party of favouritism, particularly toward Heather McPherson (MP, Edmonton-Strathcona), known as a more moderate voice.

From the cost of entry, to signature requirements and upcoming debates, join us as we tour through the terrain of the leadership race and ask, "Who will make it to the starting line?"

More information:

Rules Governing Leadership Contest 2026 « Canada's NDP

Welcome back to Building Left, the podcast where hosts Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins dive into the evolving landscape of social democracy and progressive politics in Canada.

In this episode, the hosts are joined by Dr. Jared Wesley, a political scientist from the University of Alberta. Dr. Wesley dives into how individual Albertans make sense of their political identity, challenging the stereotypical conservative image of the province, and raises issues like the "spiral of silence" that can keep progressive voices sidelined. 

Join the conversation for political insights that impact ridings across the country. Dr. Wesley's research and experience speaks to the importance of fostering belonging, bridging perceived political divides and communication strategies to find common ground on specific issues. 

Sources and Background Reading: 

Jared Wesley's website

No I in Team: Party Loyalty in Canadian Politics by Alex Marland, Jared J. Wesley and Mireille Lalancette

How Minds Change by David McCraney

Alberta's distorted view of their own political culture

Deep Engagement Canvassing - Neighbours United

As centre-right pundits greatly exaggerate the imminent demise of the NDP, one grassroots organization is proposing bold renewal of the party from the ground up.

In this episode, Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins are joined by Ji Won Jung from Reclaim Canada's NDP. Learn more about the movement and what you can do to get involved and help rebuild the NDP.

Following Building Left's first guest interview, you'll get the rundown on the NDP's review and renewal process, the leadership contest, and Alberta's by-election. Join us for a recap of a jam-packed week in progressive politics!

NDP launches 2025 campaign review and renewal process « Canada's NDP

Reclaim Canada's NDP Press Release

Toronto Star: Campaign to woo NDP donors away from central party 'misguided,' says ex-strategist

Globe & Mail (K Yakabuski): As the NDP faces financial crisis, radical flamethrowers play with matches - The Globe and Mail

NDP members will choose their next leader in March 2026 « Canada's NDP

Two former NDP MPs rule out bids to lead party as leadership rules issued - The Globe and Mail

Yves Engler - Canadian Author and Activist

Fred DeLorey: Why the NDP may be in even bigger trouble than we think - The Hub

Globe & Mail (A. Coyne): New leader, or new system? The Conservatives ponder life under two-party politics - The Globe and Mail

Battle River-Crowfoot Byelection - List of candidates

Katherine Swampy « Canada's NDP

HOME | Bonnie Critchley I

In this episode, Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins dive into the latest developments surrounding Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act (also An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act), which has sparked significant debate across Canada's political and social landscape. 

Bill C-5, under the justification of removing barriers to development, allows for the sidestepping of crucial environmental assessment laws and Indigenous consultation, and chips away at democratic processes. Critics argue this bill is a corporate giveaway threatening Canada's democratic safeguards; the NDP has worked strategically to expose its deficiencies.

What does all of this mean for the shifting "centre" of Canadian politics, the possibility of a renewed identity for the NDP and the potential to rebuild electoral success?

Sources and Background Reading:

Government Backgrounder: Implementation of Bill C-5: One Canadian Economy - Canada.ca

Environmental Law Centre Analysis: Bill C-5 & the Building Canada Act: What You Need to Know

Canada’s Bill C-5: Continuing the Legislative Trend of Undermining Indigenous Rights - JFK Law - Canada

Ecojustice Analysis: https://ecojustice.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Building-Canada-Act-BCA-Ecojustice-analysis-V2.pdf

Liberals, Conservatives pass major projects legislation in House of Commons

Carney's 'nation-building' projects bill passes Senate — but not without Indigenous pushback

B.C.’s Bill 15 becomes law amid First Nations backlash | The Narwhal

Doug Ford's controversial Bill 5: Here's what you need to know | CBC News

New Democrats say no to Carney’s NATO 5 per cent commitment « Canada's NDP

A Federal Seat is Vacant in Battle River–Crowfoot – Elections Canada

Welcome back to "Building Left," the podcast where we explore the evolving role of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and leftist politics in Canada. In this episode, hosts Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins delve into what has been a revealing parliamentary session for the NDP, exploring their robust opposition to a conservative-leaning agenda since the session began on May 27th.

With King Charles' historic speech from the throne setting the stage, the NDP has made significant opposing moves on pivotal pieces of legislation, such as Bills C-2 and C-5, positioning themselves as the voice of true opposition. From defending the rights of refugees, to demonstrating solidarity with Gaza, the NDP is positioning itself as the steadfast voice for progressive politics in Canada.

Sources/Citations:

MP Jenny Kwan on Bill C-2:

Michael Geist: “Big Brother Tactics”: Why Bill C-2’s New Warrantless Disclosure Demand Powers Extend Far Beyond Internet and Telecom Providers - Jenny Kwan, Member of Parliament

The Backbench/Canadaland Podcast (Adam Sidinsky interview):

#134 Is Carney’s Bill C-2 ‘Much Worse Than Trump’?

NDP/ MP Heather McPherson on Gaza and Palestine:

NDP reaction to sanctions on Ben Gvir and Smotrich « Canada's NDP

NDP statement on Israel's recent attacks « Canada's NDP

MP Heather McPherson on CIFTA:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16bde6XRsW/

NDP/MP Lori Idlout response to Bill C-5:

NDP stands up for Free Prior and Informed Consent « Canada's NDP

Welcome to Building Left, the podcast exploring the future of the NDP and the broader landscape of social democracy in Canada. Join hosts Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins as they dive into the NDP's legacy and its relevance today—all from a rural and Western perspective. Tune in for a frank discussion about why a social democratic party matters in Canada, why proportional representation is needed now more than ever, and what the NDP needs to consider on its path to renewal. Whether you're a seasoned party member or new to the progressive movement, this conversation is essential for anyone invested in the future of Canada's left.

Sources referenced:

Saving the NDP in a few simple steps by Nora Loreto on Substack

Opinion: There's only one path to survival for the New Democrats, by Martin Regg Cohn in the Toronto Star

Hunt for new NDP leader raises tension before race begins (Matthew Green quoted in the Toronto Star)

Errata:

At one point in this episode, Jaime says that all 7 current NDP MPs are from the West or the North of Canada. He knows this is not the case and regrets the error. He would specifically like to apologize to the Hon. Alexandre Boulerice, who has represented the Montreal riding of Rosemont--La Petite Patrie since 2011--no disrespect was intended.