Is it R.I.P. for the federal NDP? Not quite, experts say [Video]

The New Democratic Party’s devastating electoral losses do not translate to a death knell for the party but are an important signal that some significant structural changes are needed, analysts say.

“I don’t believe the claims that this is it for the NDP,” said Andrea Lawlor, an associate professor of political science at McMaster University.

“But for them it is the type of organizational crisis that is going to require a lot of attention and soul-searching in order to get back on a footing where they are viewed by Canadians as a really fundamental third option.”

The NDP, which held 24 seats at dissolution, is now projected to end up with just over six per cent of the popular vote and seven seats — resulting in the worst showing of the party’s history. It was crushed in provinces like B.C., where it’s projected to lose 10 of its 13 seats, …