WINNIPEG — A political scientists says the NDP election victory in Alberta could boost fortunes for the New Democrats in other provinces and federally at a time when the party could use some momentum.
Paul Thomas from the University of Manitoba says the election result shows the party can win in a province where it has traditionally not been strong.
He says the victory is bound to put wind in the sails of NDP politicians, volunteers and staff in other provinces.
But he cautions that each province has its own issues.
In Manitoba — the only other province with an NDP government — the New Democrats are down in opinion polls and face some of the same criticisms levelled at the outgoing Alberta Tories.
Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger says the real takeaway from Alberta is that election campaigns do make a difference, because the NDP was not polling very high just a few months ago.