Federal NDP preparing to launch leadership race in September

The federal New Democratic Party is preparing to launch a six-month leadership race this fall.

The race is expected to begin in September and conclude in March at the party’s national convention in Winnipeg. Leadership candidates will be required to pay a $100,000 registration fee, which can be paid in three installments.

The NDP’s national council met Thursday to approve the guidelines for the race. Final rules are expected to be published on the party’s website before the official launch.

The NDP has been without a permanent leader since April, when Jagmeet Singh resigned on election night following the party’s disappointing results. New Democrats won just seven seats in the House of Commons — a major drop from their 2021 showing.

While no candidates have officially declared, several names are being considered as potential contenders, including Heather McPherson, Avi Lewis, Peter Julian, Leah Gazan, Alexandre Boulerice and Nathan Cullen.

The party is also undergoing a “review and renewal process” to reflect on the results of the 2025 campaign. Ottawa lawyer and former candidate Emilie Taman has been appointed to lead that process.