July 10, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) has announced it will elect a new leader in March 2026, following a devastating federal election loss and ongoing internal disputes. The decision was made at a recent federal council meeting, where the party also set key rules for the leadership race.
The leadership campaign will run from September 2025 to March 2026, with the final vote expected during the national convention in Winnipeg. Candidates interested in running must pay a $100,000 entry fee.
This leadership change comes at a critical time for the NDP. In the April 2025 federal election, the party won just 7 seats, down from 24, losing long-time strongholds like Hamilton and Windsor. Former leader Jagmeet Singh resigned on election night after failing to win his own seat.
With fewer than 12 seats, the NDP no longer holds official party status in the House of Commons. As a result, it has lost key privileges, including a guaranteed spot during Question Period, full participation in committees, and significant funding for the leader’s office.
Internally, tensions are rising. The appointment of Don Davies as interim leader in May was criticized by three NDP MPs, who called the process “undemocratic.” A new activist group, Reclaim Canada’s NDP, is encouraging supporters to donate directly to local riding associations instead of the federal party. The group argues the NDP no longer feels like a real alternative to voters.
The party is also facing financial strain. Many NDP candidates failed to receive 10% of the vote, making them ineligible for campaign expense rebates—potentially leaving the party with fewer resources moving forward.
In response to these challenges, the NDP has launched a renewal process led by lawyer and former candidate Emilie Taman. The process will gather feedback from party members, staff, riding associations, and volunteers to help rebuild trust and direction ahead of the leadership vote.
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