The federal NDP will elect a new leader in March at its national convention in Winnipeg, following a seven-month race that party officials hope will help rebuild its battered base after the worst electoral showing in its history.
The leadership campaign officially begins in September, with a final vote to be held no later than March 29, 2026. Party president Mary Shortall called the timeline “a crucial first step” to allow New Democrats to regroup and choose a leader who can revive their fortunes.
The contest will come with a steep $100,000 entry fee — more than triple the cost of the party’s last leadership race — a decision that some, including former MP and party stalwart Libby Davies, say could shut out grassroots contenders. “That’s a steep crawl,” Davies said, adding that she hoped for a fee closer to $50,000–$75,000 to encourage a broader field.
The NDP is coming off a disastrous April election in which it lost most of its caucus, falling from 24 seats to just seven and losing party status in the House of Commons. Without official status, the party no longer receives guaranteed Question Period slots or funding for its leader’s office, further limiting its influence. Former leader Jagmeet Singh resigned on election night after failing to hold his seat.
Interim leader Don Davies was appointed by the party’s federal council in May, but that process sparked criticism from three NDP MPs who said the decision lacked transparency. Internal friction has continued, with a group called “Reclaim Canada’s NDP” urging donors to bypass the national party and fund local riding associations directly as part of a push to “meaningfully and equitably rebuild the NDP.”
Potential contenders are already weighing their chances. Avi Lewis, a former federal candidate and member of a storied NDP family, says he’s “seriously considering” a leadership bid but will wait for final rules before launching a campaign.
The leadership race and renewal process will determine whether the party can reestablish itself as a credible progressive option — or risk fading further from relevance ahead of the next federal election.