The New Democratic Party (NDP) was founded in 1961 as the union of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), affiliated unions of the Canadian Labour Conference (CLC) and New Party clubs. The NDP is a democratic socialist party, committed to a mixed economy and favouring government planning and public ownership, where necessary, to provide jobs and services. The NDP (and its predecessor, the CCF) has been a forceful exponent of social security measures like universal medical care, old-age pensions, workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. As the official political voice of organized labour, the NDP has encouraged trade union organization.
   Federally, the NDP has never held the number of seats that reflect its popular support. Although it has achieved an average of 16.8% of the popular vote, it has only averaged 8.7% of parliamentary seats. It has made its greatest impact on federal policy during periods of minority government. Provincially, the NDP has held power in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia, the Yukon Territory, and Ontario.