NDP's Don Davies Seeks Revival Amidst Tough Vancouver-Kingsway Race

NDP's Don Davies Seeks Revival Amidst Tough Vancouver-Kingsway Race

On August 30, 2025, political dynamics in Canada are heating up as the federal election approaches, with key players reassessing their strategies and messages. At the forefront of this discussion is Don Davies, the interim leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), who recently declared the party’s performance in the April federal election as having been “burned to the ground.” In an attempt to reforge the NDP’s foundation, he shared insights during a recent episode of The Paikin Podcast, which airs every Saturday morning, a collaboration between recognized journalist Steve Paikin and Village Media.

During the podcast, Davies, along with panelists including former Liberal MP Martha Hall Findlay and former Conservative Party minister Tony Clement, explored the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the NDP. With the political landscape shifting, especially with new leadership under Mark Carney at the Liberal helm, Davies is eager to capitalize on the potential for the NDP to regain ground lost in previous elections.

A Toss-Up in Vancouver-Kingsway

As the election tide changes, the federal NDP is focusing intently on the Vancouver-Kingsway riding, where Don Davies has been a stronghold, having secured a victory five times consecutively (2008, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021). In the last election, he claimed 52% of the vote, a significant lead over the Liberal candidate. Yet, current conditions are quite atypical, with outside factors like U.S. tariffs and the emergence of Carney’s leadership affecting voter sentiment and forecasts.

According to a recent report from 338Canada, this riding has transformed into a “toss up” between the NDP and Liberals, casting uncertainty over the upcoming election. Initially, the Liberals were projected as “likely” winners at the onset of the campaign. Davies, however, remains optimistic based on strong local engagement—he believes the tactical approach of the NDP’s campaign office, which has seen numerous campaign signs sprouting up, will bolster his efforts to retain support.

• Don Davies has knocked on approximately 20,000 doors in a riding with a population of 108,054.
• The NDP’s current emphasis on local campaigning contrasts sharply with the federal strategies of the Liberals and Conservatives, who are keen on spotlighting their national leaders.

New candidates have emerged for the competing parties: Liberal chartered accountant Amy Gill and Conservative businessman Ravinder Bhatia. While Bhatia’s campaign activities remain shrouded in silence as he has been advised not to speak to the media, Gill promotes her extensive experience in charities and non-profits, emphasizing progressive values and the necessity of supporting Mark Carney’s leadership as a way to voice local concerns in government.

The Path Forward

Davies’ long-standing commitment to community engagement shines through as he champions not just the NDP’s legislative victories—such as advancements in dental care initiatives—but also the belief in maintenance of relationships beyond the election frenzy. He advocates against a two-party system, urging for a wider representation within Canadian democracy. As he navigates the challenging waters of this coming election, his focus remains on the importance of the community and its needs.

This political landscape is one to watch, with shifting allegiances and emerging candidates shaping the future. As the campaign unfolds, both the NDP and the Liberals find themselves at a critical crossroads, balancing the local with the national in a bid for voter support.

For those interested in more of the political discourse shaping these developments, the latest episode of The Paikin Podcast is a must-listen, featuring a wealth of insights that reflect the current climate as election day approaches.