You are having some separate conversation with yourself. back here in the actual conversation the answer is clear. The Liberal party is the primary source of growth for the NDP.
That is the best way for the NDP to get relegated to third place once more. The NDP needs to get in touch with the 45% or more of citizens that don't vote. Liberal voters have repeatedly drank the koolaid and still buy the advertising. Trying to out liberal the Liberal party to steal its vote is a fools game.
ETA: the proof is Dix and Horwath