New Democrats are set to select their next leader in March following a seven-month campaign, as announced by the party on Thursday. NDP president Mary Shortall expressed the significance of this step in uniting and rejuvenating the party in a news release.
The leadership campaign will kick off officially in September, culminating in a vote by March 29, coinciding with the NDP national convention in Winnipeg. The party’s federal council convened to outline initial rules for the leadership contest, which will include a $100,000 entry fee. Further details and guidelines for the race are yet to be finalized pending discussions at upcoming meetings.
Former B.C. NDP MP Libby Davies commended the party for not rushing the leader selection process, emphasizing that an extended race allows both grassroots and established candidates to compete on a level playing field. However, Davies raised concerns about the steep entrance fee, suggesting a lower range of $50,000 to $75,000 for broader participation.
The incoming leader faces the arduous task of rebuilding the party after its worst electoral performance, wherein the NDP dropped from 24 to seven MPs post-April elections. The party suffered losses in traditional strongholds like Hamilton and Windsor, Ontario, prompting former leader Jagmeet Singh’s resignation on election night after failing to secure his seat.
Avi Lewis, a potential leadership candidate and former NDP federal nominee, welcomed the federal council’s thorough consideration of contest rules, highlighting it as a positive step towards enhancing internal democracy within the party. Meanwhile, internal strife within the NDP emerged post-election, with vocal criticisms aimed at the interim leader selection process and calls for redirecting donations to local riding associations by a faction named “Reclaim Canada’s NDP.”
The party’s financial outlook also faces challenges following the spring campaign, with numerous NDP candidates falling short of the 10 per cent vote threshold necessary for campaign expense reimbursements. To address these issues, the party announced a “renewal” initiative led by lawyer and former candidate Emilie Taman, aimed at consulting with party members, staff, and volunteers for a comprehensive review.
