Five Candidates Confirmed for NDP Leadership Debate in Montreal

OTTAWA—Canada's NDP is pleased to announce that five leadership contestants will take the stage at its first official debate, to be held in Montreal on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The confirmed participants are Rob Ashton, Tanille Johnston, Avi Lewis, Heather McPherson, and Tony McQuail.

"This is an important and exciting moment in our leadership race," said Éric Hébert-Daly, Chief Electoral Officer of the Leadership Race. "These contestants have fulfilled the requirements set out in the leadership rules as it relates to the collection of required nomination signatures and payment of the entry fee associated with the debate. I am looking forward to a lively and engaging debate, giving members an opportunity to hear directly from contestants on their vision for the Party."

Key Details About the Montreal Debate

• The debate will be held majority in French, underscoring the Party's commitment to engaging Quebec and francophone communities.
• The event begins at 7:00 p.m. ET and will last 90 minutes.
• It will take place in a studio setting, without a live audience- a format designed to mirror federal leaders’ debates.
• Simultaneous interpretation will be offered, so viewers can follow in the language of their choice.
• After the debate, each contestant will participate in a media availability, giving credentialed press the chance to ask individual questions

NDP members and progressives across the country are asked to RSVP to watch the leadership debate at https://ndp.ca/debate. There is also an opportunity for supporters to submit a question which will assist in the themes asked during the debate.

A second official leadership debate will take place in February 2026, in BC's lower mainland. The new Federal NDP Leader will be announced at the national convention in Winnipeg on Sunday, March 29, 2026.