New Democrats have begun voting for their next federal leader, with five candidates competing for the position. The party reports a membership increase to approximately 100,000, up from 60,000 when the leadership race began in September 2025.
NDP Leadership Race Underway
“That gives me hope that despite the election result, the NDP is here to stay,” said Mélanie Richer, the NDP’s former director of communications. She added that the leadership vote is an opportunity for members to decide the future direction of the party.
Candidate Avi Lewis currently leads in fundraising, with over $1.2 million in donations from more than 10,400 contributors, according to interim numbers published by Elections Canada. Heather McPherson has raised just over $560,000 from more than 3,800 contributors, while Rob Ashton has brought in just under $357,000 from slightly more than 2,000 contributors. Fundraising totals for Tanille Johnston and Tony McQuail have not yet been released.
Rebuilding After Election Loss
The NDP is working to rebuild following a loss in the federal election last spring, which resulted in the party losing official party status in the House of Commons. The party now holds only seven seats, and former leader Jagmeet Singh did not win his riding, leading to his resignation.
Polls analyst Éric Grenier of TheWrit.ca notes that the New Democrats continue to poll between five and 10 per cent, similar to their performance on election night. Grenier described rebuilding the party as a “monumental” task, stating that the biggest challenge is simply to become relevant again.
Richer emphasized the need for the next leader to appeal beyond the existing membership. “If you’re not able to speak to people who don’t hold a membership card, you’re not going to get us any further ahead,” she said. While she hasn’t endorsed a candidate, she noted McPherson’s advantage as the only current Member of Parliament in the race.
Experience vs. Election Readiness
Speaking at an International Women’s Day march in Vancouver, McPherson highlighted her experience, stating she is “the only one that has beat Conservatives three times.” She emphasized understanding the challenges people face and not coming from a political family. “We don’t need a show right now. We need a serious party that can get to work and that can do the job of holding this government accountable on day one,” McPherson said.
Lewis, however, has indicated he isn’t focused on immediately winning a seat in the House of Commons, given the party’s current small presence in Ottawa. He believes the new leader should prioritize understanding the party’s finances and preparing for the next election. Lewis has previously run unsuccessfully for a federal seat and has never held public office. His grandfather, David Lewis, led the federal NDP in the 1970s, and his father, Stephen Lewis, led the Ontario NDP.
Richer pointed to the difficulties of a leader not being in the House of Commons, referencing the experience with Singh. “Not being completely plugged in to the day-to-day stuff makes it really hard, because you’re taking too long to respond. And then you’re no longer in the news cycle and no longer relevant as it relates to people,” she said.
Other Candidates in the Race
Other candidates include Ashton, a dockworker and union leader who aims to reconnect with labour and working-class voters, and has received endorsements from several unions. Johnston, a social worker, city councillor, and member of the We Wai Kai First Nation, is pitching herself as a fresh voice and is the first Indigenous woman to seek the NDP leadership. McQuail, an organic farmer, advocates for a holistic approach to policy, particularly regarding the climate crisis.
Voting and Announcement
Voting continues until the NDP’s convention in Winnipeg at the end of March, where candidates will have a final opportunity to address supporters. The new leader will be announced on March 29.
Membership Termination
Former leadership hopeful Yves Engler announced over the weekend that the NDP terminated his membership. Engler had attempted to enter the race but his application was rejected. He alleges the party is suppressing internationalist, anti-imperialist perspectives. A letter from the party’s national director, shared by Engler, states he engaged in conduct “fundamentally inconsistent with the obligations of membership.” The party has not yet commented. Engler and supporters unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the final NDP leadership debate in Vancouver last month.
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