Description: Candidates for the leadership of the New Democratic Party are competing to line up support from unions.

Source: The Globe and Mail

Date: 01/06/2012

Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/topp-lands-calverts-support-as-ndp-rivals-burnish-union-credentials/article2294036/

Related links:

• The New Democratic Party
• The Canadian Labour Congress
• Brian Topp
• Thomas Mulcair
• Paul Dewar
• Peggy Nash

Questions for discussion:

• Why are NDP leadership candidates seeking union support?
• Describe the historical relationship between the NDP and labour in Canada. (Refer to your textbook.)
• What are the advantages of this relationship for unions?
• What are the advantages for the NDP?
• What are the disadvantages for both?
• How have election spending laws affected the relationship?