Edmonton-Strathcona MP Heather McPherson officially entered the federal NDP leadership race on Sunday, pledging to bring unity, inclusion, and renewed purpose to a party still reeling from its worst electoral performance in history.
Launching her campaign in her home riding, McPherson said her leadership would be rooted in fairness and community, drawing inspiration from her upbringing in a household where “no one was turned away” and even doors were turned into tables to ensure everyone had a seat. She stressed that politics must once again reflect those inclusive values, warning against the divisive rhetoric she said is dominating Canadian political life.
McPherson joins activist and journalist Avi Lewis, who declared his candidacy earlier this month, as well as labour leader Rob Ashton and activist Yves Engler. As the only current MP in the race, she immediately assumes front-runner status in the seven-month contest that will culminate with a new leader chosen in March.
In her speech, McPherson promised to fight for fair wages tied to the cost of living, affordable housing, lower grocery prices, and a strong public health care and education system. She pointed to her record as the party’s foreign affairs critic, highlighting her advocacy for Ukraine and Palestine, and her belief in condemning genocide “wherever we see it.”
She did not shy away from criticizing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, accusing them of thriving on division, nor from taking a jab at Prime Minister Mark Carney, whom she called “a conservative Prime Minister in a Liberal jersey.” Instead, she called for the NDP to “grow by bringing people together,” urging the movement to return to the spirit of big ideas championed by leaders like Tommy Douglas, Jack Layton, and Rachel Notley.
McPherson urged the party to invest more resources in grassroots organizing, emphasizing that future success lies in communities rather than “Ottawa backrooms.” She stressed the importance of listening, rebuilding trust with the base, and reaching out to Canadians beyond traditional divides.
“The election could come as early as this spring,” McPherson concluded, underscoring the need for a leader who is ready to campaign, organize, and inspire Canadians at a critical moment.