Canada’s New Democratic Party once rallied workers around a bold social democratic vision. The leadership contest now unfolding shows a center left so busy virtue signaling it forgets how to build power.

After losing his seat in Canada’s spring election, where his party collapsed in the polls and failed to achieve official party status, former leader Jagmeet Singh stepped aside as head of the New Democratic Party (NDP). Now, Canada’s nominally social democratic party has launched a leadership race. Contest rules released two weeks ago include a stipulation for signature collection that doubled as a rage-baiting giveaway to right-wing culture warriors and enjoyed the dubious distinction of turning the NDP into a lightning rod on social media for a day or two.

Leadership candidates will re

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