Rules Governing Leadership Contest 2026
Canada's NDP is excited to share full details of the 2026 Leadership Race. This is a crucial first step in what will be an important opportunity for New Democrats to come together, rebuild, and elect our new leader.
New Democrats and progressives from across the country are invited to join the party to participate and engage in this democratic process. As Canada’s progressive political voice, the NDP continues to lead the fight for bold, progressive change, and this leadership race is a powerful opportunity to strengthen our movement, together.
You can find the complete rules governing the 2026 leadership contest here.
IMPORTANT DATES
The following are key dates for the Leadership Race and Voting Day:
Leadership Campaign Period:
- Leadership Application Package Available: Wednesday, August 20th, 2025
- Leadership Campaign Start Date: Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025
- Membership Cut Off Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
- Leadership Campaign Voting Concludes: Saturday, March 28th, 2026
- Leadership Campaign Announcement Date: Sunday, March 29th, 2026
Candidates must register by, and have paid the fourth deposit fee to appear on the ballot: Saturday, January 31st, 2026
Sponsored Leadership Events:
- Leadership Candidate Forum: October 2025 (Exact Date TBC)
- Leadership Debate #1: November 2025 (Exact Date TBC)
- Leadership Debate #2: February 2026 (Exact Date TBC)
In addition to the above mentioned events, provincial/territorial sections of the Party, electoral district associations, party committees, youth sections, campus clubs and affiliated organizations are encouraged to host opportunities for leadership contestants to engage during the Leadership Race.