Canada’s NDP announces date of first leadership debate

OTTAWA- Canada’s NDP has announced the date of the first leadership debate as part of the 2026 Leadership Race. The debate will take place in Montreal on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

“Engaging Quebecers in this leadership race is essential to building a strong and united NDP, and I am pleased the first debate will be taking place in Montreal,” said Alexandre Boulerice, NDP MP for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie. “As we look to the future of our Party, we must continue to connect with members from across the country, while recognizing the crucial role Quebec plays in our movement. This debate will set the stage for contestants to show their commitment to building a truly national Party that represents all regions of Canada.”

Full details of the debate, including its format, will be released by the Party in the coming days. The debate will be held majority in French.

“This will be an opportunity for contestants to share their vision, their values, and the issues they want to bring forward to members across the country,” said Éric Hébert-Daly, Chief Electoral Officer of the Leadership Race. “The leadership race is already generating great excitement among members, and the Montreal debate will mark an important milestone to continue to engage with the candidates and their ideas.”

The Party will host a second leadership debate in February 2026, with the announcement of the new Leader to take place on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Winnipeg as part of the Party's national convention.