Tom Mulcair says NDP the 'only real opposition' Stephen Harper had to face

Tom Mulcairsays whilethe NDP suffered some disappointing election losses, it deserves credit for theousting of Stephen Harper's Conservative government after nearly a decade in power.

"Ithink the NDP formed the only real opposition Mr. Harper ever had to face and that's one of the reasons we were able to defeat him," the defiant leader of the New Democrats said in French.

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Mulcair's comments cameafter he metwith his caucus Wednesday afternoon for the firsttime since the NDP wasreduced to third-party status in theOct.19 federal election.

We had set as our number one priority to make sure this was an end to Stephen Harper's Conservatives... Mission accomplished.- Tom Mulcair, NDP leader

He said the NDP,duringits four yearsas theOfficial Opposition in the House of Commons, successfullyexposed the Harper government for itsethical lapses,weak management of the economy and poor environmental record.

"We led the charge against the Harper government," said Mulcair on Wednesday.

Asked if he thought theNew Democratsdid all of the hard work for the Liberals, Mulcair said the NDP was the "best Official Opposition Ottawa has ever seen."

"We had set as our number 1 priority to make sure this was an end to Stephen Harper's Conservatives, and you know what? Check that box. Mission accomplished," said Mulcair.

Mulcair, whohas kept a low profile for the past two weeks, appearedonCBC'sThis Hour Has22 Minuteson Tuesday night, where he channeled his inner Drake, dancing to the singer'slatest video,HotlineBling.

Tom Mulcair dances to Drake's Hotline Bling for 22 Minutes

9 years ago

Duration 0:20

22 Minutes tracked him down - dancing to Drake

Mulcair intends to lead the 'progressive opposition'

Mulcair said he took full responsibility for the NDP's election losses and that a formal review of the campaign would be conducted by NDP presidentRebecca Blaikieand national director Anne McGrath.

Defeated Ottawa MPPaulDewarwill also help as hehas beenappointed to help reorganize the party in the wake of its disappointing election results.

We're just going to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and keep going because we know that Canadians want that powerful, progressive voice here in Parliament.- Tom Mulcair, NDP leader

"Iassume all of the responsibility as leader of the party, but at the same time we know this is the second best result we've ever had in terms of the number of seats," said Mulcairafter meeting with his caucus.

Mulcairsaidhe intendsto lead the New Democrats,who have begun to call themselves "the progressive opposition,"to victory when the next federal election is called in 2019.

He saidhe was "extremely confident" party members would place their trust in him because he sensed "strong, positiveenergy" during today'scaucus meeting.

"We are going to be a very constructive, progressive opposition and we're going to make sure the government follows through with their promises."

Mulcairsaid theNDP'saccomplishments include "setting downroots across the country" and that despite the party's election losses, it "got back" threeseats inSaskatchewan and"swept Vancouver island."

"We're just going to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and keep going because we know that Canadians want that powerful, progressive voice here in Parliament," he said.

Mulcair'sfate as leader of the party will be decided when a leadership review is held during theNDP'sannual convention in Edmonton in April.

'Larger than expected' cabinet

Mulcair and his 43-member caucusmet behind closeddoors just as Prime Minister Justin Trudeauaddressed the public following the swearing-in of Canada's new cabinet.

"It's clear from the election results that Canadians were ready for change," Mulcairsaid as he congratulated Trudeau and his cabinetin a news release.

"Today's swearing-in ceremony turns another page on the previous administration. While this change is welcome in Ottawa, progress made in the coming months and years will reveal the strength of that change."

Mulcair said the NDP was "disappointed" that Trudeau's 30-member cabinet was"larger than expected."

"Gender parity in cabinet is a good first step and should be congratulated, but achieving fairness and equality for all Canadians is a long-term goal that requires hard work," Mulcair said.

"I look forward to pressing the new prime minister and his cabinet on their progress."