The 2017 New Democratic Party leadership election will take place between October 1 and October 29, 2017 due to incumbent Tom Mulcair having lost a vote on a leadership review at the New Democratic Party's federal convention held in Edmonton, Alberta on April 10, 2016. 52% of delegates voted in favour of holding a new leadership election, compared to 48% who voted for Mulcair's leadership to continue. Under the party's constitution, the leadership election was to be held by April 10, 2017; however, the delegates present passed a motion to give the party up to 24 months to organize a leadership election. Mulcair is expected to remain leader until his successor is elected.
The result at the 2016 convention was the first time a leader of any Canadian federal political party has failed to receive at least 50% in a leadership review vote. In the months since the 2015 federal election, Mulcair's leadership had been a point of conflict within the party because of the election campaign, in which the NDP fell to third place from the Official Opposition it gained in the 2011 election. The New Democrats had led public opinion polls since May 2015 and appeared to be poised to form a majority government for the first time in their history. However, they fell back behind the Liberals and Conservatives in the last month. The election thus resulted in a Liberal majority government. The party lost more than half of its seats and fell to third place. Mulcair's leadership faced criticism following the election, particularly due to his moderate platform that the party was running on. In contrast, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau had promised to run a budget deficit in order to fund stimulus programs and higher social spending, a position which was perceived as allowing the Liberals to outflank the NDP.
Under rules set out in the party's constitution, every member is entitled to cast a secret ballot for the selection of the Leader. The new leader will be chosen some time between October 1 and October 29, 2017, with rounds of voting through a preferential, ranked choice ballot taking place once a week until a candidate hits the 50 per cent plus one mark to be declared leader (with eligible voters choosing to vote with an internet ballot being allowed to change their vote at any time before the closure of the polls, including between each round of balloting). Candidates are required to pay an entry fee of $30,000 and may spend no more than $1.5 million. 25% of all donations to candidates will be paid to the party. To be nominated, candidates require at least 500 signatures from party members, at least half of which must be from female-identified members and at least 100 from "other equity-seeking groups" including indigenous people, LGBT people, persons with disabilities and visible minorities. At least 50 signatures will be required from each of five regions: "Atlantic", "Quebec", "Ontario", "the Prairies" and "B.C. and the North".
October 19, 2015 - Federal election results in the NDP under Tom Mulcair winning 44 seats and falling to third place in the House of Commons, down from 95 seats and Official Opposition status prior to the election.
April 10, 2016 - At the NDP federal convention held in Edmonton, Alberta, a leadership review resolution passes with the support of 52% of delegates, requiring a new leadership election to be held. Mulcair announces that he will not be a candidate but will remain as leader until the leadership election is held. Delegates pass an emergency motion extending the deadline for a leadership election to two years from one year.
May 15, 2016 - NDP Federal Council meets to discuss a schedule and logistics for the leadership election. The federal council decides to hold the election between September 17, 2017 and October 31, 2017 with a precise date to be set later.
June 14, 2016 - Party executive convenes to propose finalized election details, including the dates of the election and the nomination period closing.
July 2, 2016 - Nomination period opens.
February 12, 2017 - Peter Julian launches his campaign after having registered in December.
February 20, 2017 - Charlie Angus registers as a candidate, officially launches his campaign on February 27.
February 27, 2017 - Guy Caron launches his campaign.
March 7, 2017 - Niki Ashton launches her campaign.
March 12, 2017 - Leadership debate to be held in Ottawa in English and French.
March 26, 2017 - Leadership debate to be held in Montreal in English and French.
May 27, 2017 - Leadership debate to be held in Sudbury.
June 10, 2017 - Leadership debate to be held in Halifax.
July 3, 2017 - Last day for candidates to register.
July 11, 2017 - Leadership debate to be held in Saskatoon.
August 9, 2017 - Leadership debate to be held in Victoria.
August 17, 2017 - Deadline to become an NDP member and be eligible to vote.
August 27, 2017 - Leadership debate to be held in Montreal in French only.
September 10, 2017 - Leadership debate to be held in Vancouver.
September 17, 2017 - All-candidate "showcase" in Toronto featuring final speeches.
September 18–October 1, 2017 - Voting for the first ballot begins by mail and online.
October 8, 2017 - Voting for the second ballot ends (if required)
October 15, 2017 - Voting for the third ballot ends (if required)
October 22, 2017 - Voting ends for fourth ballot (if required)
October 29, 2017 - Voting for up to fifth and final ballot, if needed.
Background
Charlie Angus, 54, has been the MP for Timmins—James Bay since 2004 and was elected NDP Caucus Chair in January 2016. He is the author of seven books and worked as a journalist, a roofer and a dishwasher earlier in life. Prior to entering politics, Angus was a member of the Toronto punk band L'Étranger with Andrew Cash and Peter Duffin, from 1980 to circa 1984, and subsequently formed the country band Grievous Angels in 1986. From 1985 to 1990, Angus and his partner Brit Griffin lived in Angelus House, a Catholic Worker house they founded, where they invited the homeless to live with them. They also established a separate homeless shelter in 1986. In 1990, they moved to northern Ontario, where Angus owned and ran a magazine and eventually entered politics. Angus stepped down as Caucus Chair and Indigenous Affairs Critic on November 23, 2016 in order to consider a leadership bid. He formally registered his campaign with Elections Canada on February 20, 2017 and publicly launched it on February 26th.
Date candidacy registered: February 20, 2017
Date campaign launched: February 26, 2017
Campaign website: charlieangusndp.ca
Supporters
MPs:
Provincial politicians: (2) Gilles Bisson (Ontario MPP for Timmins—James Bay), John Vanthof (Ontario MPP for Timiskaming—Cochrane)
Municipal politicians:
Former MPs: (1) Andrew Cash (Davenport, 2011-2015)
Former provincial politicians:
Other prominent individuals: (1) Jason Collett (Singer and songwriter)
Trade Unions and other organizations:
Other information
On January 22, 2017, Angus launched what he called the second phase of a possible leadership campaign by launching a website asking people to indicate if they think he should run, pledge their support for a possible leadership bid as well as asking for volunteer and donation pledges. Since that time an event was announced for February 27th with Broken Social Scene member Jason Collett, which some journalists suspect will serve as his campaign launch.
Background
Niki Ashton, 34, is the MP for Churchill—Keewatinook Aski (2008–present; formerly Churchill) and has served as NDP Critic for Jobs, Employment & Workforce Development Critic (2015-2017), Shadow Minister for Status of Women (2012-2015) and Aboriginal Affairs (2015). She placed seventh in the 2012 leadership race.
Date candidacy registered: March 2, 2017
Date campaign launched: March 7, 2017
Campaign website: nikiashton2017.ca
Supporters
MPs:
Provincial politicians: (1) Cheri DiNovo (Ontario MPP for Parkdale—High Park)
Municipal politicians:
Former MPs:
Former provincial politicians:
Other prominent individuals:
Trade Unions and other organizations:
Other information
Focus is on plans to create and maintain good-paying jobs for young people and working Canadians, and the threat of climate change.
Calls herself the "polar opposite of Kellie Leitch,"
Advocates combatting the unequal distribution of wealth, the loss of value-added jobs, the "foreign ownership and trade deals that are selling us out"
Background
Guy Caron, 48, has been the MP for Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques since 2011, NDP Finance Critic (2015-2017), Quebec caucus chair (2011-2017), Shadow Minister for Natural Resources, and Shadow Minister for Industry (2011-2012). Caron resigned as NDP Finance Critic and Quebec caucus chair on February 12, 2017, in order to prepare to enter the leadership contest. He announced his candidacy on February 27, 2017.
Date candidacy registered: February 27, 2017
Date campaign launched: February 27, 2017
Campaign website: guycaron.ca
Supporters
MPs:
Provincial politicians:
Municipal politicians:
Former MPs:
Former provincial politicians:
Other prominent individuals:
Trade Unions and other organizations:
Other information
Promising to address income inequity by introducing a guaranteed basic income for Canadians.
Campaiging on climate change as his second major plank.
Background
Peter Julian, 54, is the MP for New Westminster—Burnaby (2015–present) and Burnaby—New Westminster (2004–2015), and is a former NDP House Leader (2014—2016). He is the NDP's former Shadow Minister for Natural Resources and Energy (2012-2014), Finance (2011-2012) and Industry (2011) and has also served as NDP Caucus Chair (2011-2014). Before entering politics he was the Executive Director of the Council of Canadians. He resigned as NDP House Leader on October 19, 2016 in order to consider his candidacy. He officially registered his candidacy on December 21, 2016 and formally launched his campaign on February 12, 2017.
Date candidacy registered: December 21, 2016
Date campaign launched: February 12, 2017
Campaign website: peterjulian.ca
Supporters
MPs: (4) Robert Aubin (Trois-Rivières), François Choquette (Drummond), Pierre-Luc Dusseault (Sherbrooke), Brigitte Sansoucy (Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot)
Provincial politicians: (1) Raj Chouhan (BC MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds)
Municipal politicians:
Former MPs:
Former provincial politicians:
Other prominent individuals:
Trade Unions and other organizations:
Other information
Opposes growing inequality and favours affordable housing, would eliminate overseas tax havens and tax breaks for "the one percent". Advocates free tuition for post-secondary education and action on climate change and indigenous issues.
Prospective candidates
The following people have confirmed that they are considering running:
Other potential candidates
The following people have been named as potential leadership candidates by one or more media outlets but have not publicly confirmed or declined interest in running or endorsed another candidate:
Daniel Blaikie, MP for Elmwood—Transcona (2015–present).
Rebecca Blaikie, President of the NDP (2011–2016), Treasurer of the NDP (2009–2011).
Robert Chisholm, MP for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour (2011–2015), Leader of the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party (1996–2000), Leader of the Opposition in Nova Scotia (1998–1999). Ran in the 2012 leadership race though withdrew before the vote.
Gary Doer, Canadian Ambassador to the United States (2009–2016), Premier of Manitoba (1999–2009), Leader of the Manitoba New Democratic Party (1988–2009), Manitoba MLA for Concordia (1986–2009).
Howard Hampton, Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party (1996–2009), Attorney General of Ontario (1990–1993), Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs (both 1993–1995), Ontario MPP for Rainy River (1987–1999) and Kenora—Rainy River (1999-2011).
Mike Layton, Toronto City Councillor (2010–present), son of former leader Jack Layton
Peggy Nash, Former MP for Parkdale—High Park (2006–2008, 2011–2015). Placed fourth in the 2012 leadership race.
Romeo Saganash, MP for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou (2011–present). Ran in the 2012 leadership race though withdrew before the vote.
Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (2014–present).
Background
Cheri DiNovo, 65, is the Ontario MPP for Parkdale—High Park (2006–present) and since 2014 has served as the Ontario NDP critic for Urban Transportation, Greater Toronto Area Issues, and LGBTQ Issues.
Date candidacy announced: June 7, 2016 ("unofficial"); June 13, 2016 (official).
Date withdrawn: August 2, 2016
Subsequently endorsed: Niki Ashton
Supporters
MPs:
Provincial politicians:
Former MPs:
Other prominent individuals:
Other information
DiNovo originally was running as an "unofficial candidate" in protest of the party's $30,000 entry fee, but on June 13, 2016, she announced that her candidacy would be moving from unofficial status to official status, stating that her campaign will begin fundraising when the leadership election rules are finalized in July 2016. She was running in order to support democratic socialist principles and "to fight for principles rather than for a position". Four main policy planks were: An "aggressive and realistic response to the climate crisis" including the banning of nuclear power and opposition to pipelines; "social justice and human rights" including a ban on conversion therapy and a plan to increase unionization rates; "an end to systemic racism" around indigenous issues, support for Black Lives Matter; "truly universal and free" post-secondary education, dental care and pharmacare and "livable" social assistance rates.
DiNovo announced on August 2, 2016 that she would no longer be a candidate due to health reasons, having recently suffered two small strokes.
Karl Bélanger – National Director of the NDP (2016), Principal Secretary to NDP Leader Tom Mulcair (2012-2016), Senior Press Secretary to NDP Leader Jack Layton (2003-2011)
Cindy Blackstock – executive director of First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada.
Alexandre Boulerice – MP for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie (2011–present) and NDP Quebec lieutenant.
Ruth Ellen Brosseau – MP for Berthier—Maskinongé (2011–present).
Olivia Chow – MP for Trinity—Spadina (2006–2014), widow of former leader Jack Layton. Placed third in the 2014 Toronto mayoral election.
Nathan Cullen – MP for Skeena—Bulkley Valley (2004–present). Placed third in the 2012 leadership race.
Paul Dewar – MP for Ottawa Centre (2006–2015). Placed fifth in the 2012 leadership race.
Wab Kinew — Manitoba NDP MLA, former CBC broadcaster
Naomi Klein – author, journalist, and documentary filmmaker. Co-author of the Leap Manifesto.
Megan Leslie – MP for Halifax (2008–2015) and NDP deputy leader (2012–2015).
Avi Lewis – documentary filmmaker, broadcaster, and co-author of the Leap Manifesto, son of former Ontario NDP leader Stephen Lewis and grandson of former federal NDP leader David Lewis.
Anne McGrath – Deputy Chief of Staff to Alberta Premier Rachel Notley (2015–present), National Director of the NDP (2014–2015), President of the NDP (2006–2009).
Tom Mulcair – Leader of the Opposition (2012–2015), Leader of the NDP (2012–present), MP for Outremont (2007–present).
Rachel Notley – Premier of Alberta (2015–present), leader of the Alberta New Democratic Party (2014–present), Alberta MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona (2008–present).
Peter Stoffer – MP for Sackville—Eastern Shore (2004–2015) and Sackville—Musquodoboit Valley—Eastern Shore (1997–2004).
Brian Topp – Chief of Staff to Alberta Premier Rachel Notley (2015–present), President of the NDP (2011). Placed second in the 2012 leadership race.
The polls below were conducted before nominations for the leadership closed and therefore include potential candidates for the leadership race.
