Government House Leader Says NDP Won’t Get Official Party Status Despite Their Request to Change Rule

Interim NDP Leader Don Davies speaks in the foyer of the House of Commons as NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice looks on, May 26, 2025, in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon says there is no “broad consensus” in the House of Commons to grant NDP official party status after it only won seven seats in last month’s election.

Parties can be granted official status—which comes with additional resources and funds—if they have a minimum of 12 seats. Interim NDP Leader Don Davies has been saying he wants to work with the government to change the rule so his party can still qualify as an official party with its current seat count.