NDP to get $670K parliamentary funding boost despite not having official status

OTTAWA — The cash-strapped federal NDP is getting a $670,000 financial boost.

Members of the other main political parties on the Board of Internal Economy have decided to grant the parliamentary funds, even though the NDP does not have official party status.

As first reported by Politico Canada, the rules were quietly changed in a document that outlines MP pay and funding for the year, reducing the benchmark for a party to receive House officer funding from 12 seats to six — the number of MPs in the NDP caucus.

NDP parliamentary leader Don Davies says the money will be used to hire research and support staff to help the caucus carry out its duties.