The Red & Orange

There are plenty of opinion polls out there. The most trustworthy of firms has proven over and over again to be Angus Reid Public Opinion. So when Jack Layton woke up a few days ago and saw that the latest Angus Reid poll had the NDP tied with the Liberals at 25% support, he was pleasantly surprised. For the first time in nearly twenty years, the NDP is tied in support with the opposition Liberals. The last time this happened, it wasn't during an election campaign, so these are very promising signs.

It's evidence like this that support the development of a two-party system in our federal political scene between the NDP and Conservatives in the near future. Of course, the true test will be if such results hold until May 2nd. Although with a clear surge in support for the social democratic party in Quebec beginning to solidify, we could very well see the NDP overtake the Liberals in popular vote, and perhaps most importantly in terms of number of seats. One is receding its support across the nation, the other is taking its place and could be directly opposite the government come the reconvening of Parliament.

A further possibility, one that makes New Democrats giddy is a coalition government between the Liberals and NDP should Stephen Harper fail once again in his quest for a majority. Recent opinion polling suggest a minimal drop in support for the Conservatives since 2008, which would once again see a minority government. The thought of Jack Layton in the Prime Minister's Office makes me feel light headed. Let's hope it formulates ladies and gentlemen!