Full bibliography

The transformation of the into the NDP was designed to strengthen the ties between organized labour and the party. High rates of union affiliation with the party were expected to provide financial, organizational and symbolic support. However, rates of affiliation have remained low. This article uses a public choice approach to explain low rates of affiliation with the NDP. We argue that the costs of affiliation outweigh the benefits because the NDP encourages the affiliation of union locals, which tend to be relatively small. The model is developed through a comparison of the British and Canadian cases.