Much smaller NDP caucus plans for future in post-election conference call

OTTAWA – New Democrats say they remain optimistic and resolute, even though their dreams of forming government were crushed in Monday’s election.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair held a teleconference meeting Friday with his 43 newly elected and re-elected New Democrat MPs.

Insiders say he expressed regret that the party lost more than half its caucus in Monday’s vote, which saw the third-party Liberals vault past the NDP and Conservatives to win government.

READ MORE: ‘On continue’: Why Mulcair probably won’t step down

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

And Mulcair announced that he’s asked national campaign director Anne McGrath to form a committee to conduct a thorough post-mortem of the campaign.

But the focus of the discussion was on the future, how the party intends to continuing pushing its priorities and holding Justin Trudeau’s new government to account.

Insiders say there was general support for Mulcair’s decision to remain as leader.

WATCH: NDP’s orange crush becomes orange crash