The federal New Democratic Party (NDP) has officially opened its leadership race, giving prospective candidates seven months to campaign before a new leader is chosen at a national convention in Winnipeg in March.
The contest follows the resignation of Jagmeet Singh, who stepped down after the party’s devastating performance in April’s federal election. The NDP was reduced to just seven seats in the House of Commons, losing its official party status.
In a news release, the party said interest in the leadership has been strong since August 20, when application packages were first made available. Candidates must meet several requirements to qualify, including:
- Youth support: At least 10% of required signatures must come from New Democrats aged 25 or younger.
- Regional backing: At least 50 signatures each from five regions — Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, and B.C./the North.
Members will elect Singh’s successor using a ranked ballot system, allowing delegates to rank candidates in order of preference.
So far, no candidate has formally declared, though speculation continues around several high-profile figures. A Research Co. poll in July suggested most Canadians are unfamiliar with many potential contenders, including:
- Current MPs Leah Gazan, Gord Johns, Jenny Kwan, and Heather McPherson
- Former House leader Ruth Ellen Brosseau
- Former Vancouver mayor Kennedy Stewart
- Filmmaker Avi Lewis
- Former MP Nathan Cullen
- Ontario farmer Tony McQuail, who has indicated he intends to run.
Whoever wins the leadership will face the steep challenge of rebuilding the NDP’s base, regaining official party status, and restoring relevance in Canadian federal politics.