The NDP Surges Ahead of the Liberals

The New Democrats move into second place as the Tories head for a possible majority.

For the first time in 20 years, the federal NDP has surged ahead of the Liberals in the polls. A nationwide survey by Ipsos Reid indicates a significant shift in public opinion has occurred with a week and a half before the election. Jack Layton's solid performances in the leaders' debates are being attributed to the party's five-point increase, bringing it to 24 per cent of the vote. Ipsos Reid president Darrell Bricker said it's difficult to predict how much this boost in the popular vote would translate into extra seats for Layton’s party but that "the real story about the NDP surge isn’t about them winning a lot more seats, but how they affect the Liberal votes and the Bloc votes.” However, what's good news for the NDP is even better news for the Conservatives. The poll also says if an election were held now, Stephen Harper would win a majority government with 43 per cent.