Alberta Stunner Shows NDP Ground Efforts Working, Spokesman Says

This morning in Ottawa, federal New Democrat Leader Tom Mulcair walked into his caucus meeting to a round of applause and a version of "Four Strong Winds" by party MPs -- a rendition reportedly loud enough to be heard by the Conservative caucus across the hall.

The serenade may have been music to the NDP's ears, but likely throbbed as if a gasoline hangover for the Conservatives.

George Soule, a party spokesperson and media director, said the victory of the Alberta NDP under the direction of leader Rachel Notley shows gains made in Quebec last election by the federal New Democrats are not to be dismissed as an anomaly.

The federal NDP, a party that stays close to its provincial branches, intends on riding the momentum into this fall's federal election, he said.

"I think Rachel Notley ran a campaign of hope and provided an option for change, an option for people to believe in," Soule said. "We've been doing that here [in Ottawa], and we will continue to do that."

The NDP swept Quebec in an orange wave last federal election, and last night's win in Alberta gives the party its first chance to steer what is seen as the country's most conservative province, the home of Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

The NDP grabbed 53 of 87 ridings in the province, up from a mere four seats.

Ground effort working: Soule

Soule said the Alberta win shows the party's efforts on the ground are working, speculating that the campaign of dedicated politicians, volunteers and party staff knocking on doors was the largest in Canadian history and translated to results at the polls.

He said that national media and pundits don't see or discuss the efforts on the ground that lead to success at the polls early on during election years. But the party considers the strategy as a key to success.

"In Ottawa, there's an idea that you vote for the old parties 'just because,'" he said. "But as we saw in Quebec and Alberta, you can vote for change and get what you're looking for."

Over the next six months the Alberta NDP has an opportunity to show doubters it can manage the provincial economy and strike a balance between the energy industry and the environment, Soule said. But for now, organizers are enjoying the fruits of their labour, he said.

"As New Democrats, it's a chance for us to see that the work we're doing is being heard, and people are open to the change we offer," he said. "It provides a lot of hope for the year to come."