The federal NDP has officially launched its leadership race – fours months after Jagmeet Singh stepped down on election night.
The party announced the leadership race Tuesday (Sept. 2), saying it's the start of "a new chapter for the Party and its members across the country."
NDP president Mary Shortall said the leadership race is an exciting opportunity for party members and "for people across the country who share progressive values."
"It will spark important conversations about the kind of future we want to build together, rooted in fairness, justice, and hope. I know our members are eager to take part in a contest that is democratic, inclusive, and inspiring for the entire movement.”
The release says application packages for prospective leadership candidates were made available on Aug. 20. It adds there has so far been "strong interest, reflecting members’ enthusiasm for a dynamic and engaging race that will shape the future of the NDP."
The federal leadership website, leadership.ndp.ca, notes there are currently no approved candidates as of Sept. 2.
The results of the race will be announced during the NDP's national convention in Winnipeg on March 29, 2026.
To be eligible to vote, people must be a member in good standing by Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.
Singh stepped down as federal NDP leader on election night, April 28, after losing his seat in B.C. He made the announcement during his concession speech.
He had served as NDP party leader since 2017 and served as MP for Burnaby South from 2019 to 2025. Singh was the first Sikh person to lead a major federal party. Singh is also the first turban-wearing Sikh to sit as a provincial legislator in Ontario.
During the campaign, Singh faced questions of dropping NDP support and whether or not he would be re-elected. Polls in the weeks leading up to election day showed the party polling at eight per cent, which was described as "essentially the collapse of the NDP vote across the country."
