NDP leader Jack Layton took a medical leave this week

The federal NDP is in a state of flux after Jack Layton's announcement he must step down as party leader.  Due to health concerns, an interim leader has been selected, and Brandon University Political Science Professor Kelly Saunders says this is the worst time for the party to be experiencing these changes.

"If they're not able to deliver a successful opposition pretty much out of the chute and realy reign in a number of rookie M-P's and provide that guidance and that steady leadership, this is a one time opportunity for them to be able to prove to Canadians that they are serious contenders for office in this country....and also to prove to Quebecers that voted so overwhelmingly for the party.  If they can't prove to them relatively quickly that that trust has not been misplaced, that trust that voters have put in them, then they're going to lose voters.  I think voters are very fickle these days and so, it's 'ok, we're giving you a shot, step-up to the plate and show us what you've got.'  It's not going to be a very long honeymoon period they're going to give the parties."

Not only does this come at a terrible time with the NDP being the official opposition, Saunders says it sends the party into an emotional roller coaster leading up to the opening of Parliament. She adds they are facing a powerful Conservative government, making the need for a strong leader more important than ever. Saunders explains they need a leader that is able to work through and negotiate their upcoming battles, all while dealing with a number of rookie MP's from the election.

"You've got 102 NDP MP's sitting around that Caucus table, many of whom are rookie MP's, many come from the province of Quebec and so, are bringing to the table a different paradigm, a different set of ideas, of values, of priorites perhaps of many other NDP MP's from other provinces.  So, you've got that dynamic at play, and then of course you're facing a formidable government.  You're facing a conservative government so, you've got that ideological split between the NDP and the Tories.  It's not like where you even have a Liberal opposition where, maybe on some issues there can be a seeing of eye-to-eye on priorities.  We've got two very distinct, very different political parties leading our country.  There's not a whole lot of room, at least on substance and policy ideas, to be able to find a lot of middle ground."
 
Saunders notes despite how you feel about the party, Canada needs a strong opposition. She calls this important for democracy, and hopes the NDP are able to pull though this transition