The NDP's initiative seeking deep transformation

In the Wake of a Crushing Defeat, the NDP Faces a Tight Rope Act

Jagmeet Singh's resignation amid the NDP's devastating loss in the 2025 federal election has plunged the party into a precarious situation. Here's a lowdown on what lies ahead for the embattled opposition.

How Much Time Does the NDP Have to Name a New Leader?

With the clock ticking, the New Democrats need to move swiftly but carefully to find a replacement for Singh. Generally, each party sets its own pace for leadership contests, as per Elections Canada. However, given the typical lifespan of a minority government is 18 months, and the NDP's loss in the Federal election, Eric Montigny, a political science professor at Laval University, suggests an accelerated process.

Who Are the Potential Successors to Jagmeet Singh?

With Singh stepping down, quite a few names surface as potential candidates to take the helm. From Quebec, the only remaining elected official, Alexandre Boulerice, along with Heather McPherson, freshly re-elected for a third term in Edmonton, are already vying for the position. Beyond the party, notable figures like Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew (set to be elected in 2023 under the Manitoba New Democratic Party) and former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley have been suggested. Some have even floated the idea of Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, who is leaving her post as head of the Quebec metropolis in November.

What Kind of Candidate Will the NDP Seek?

With a tall order ahead, the choice of the next NDP leader is crucial. The party will have to choose between two trajectories, according to Stephanie Chouinard, a political science professor at Queen's University. One path could be a return to the party's labor roots, while the other would involve a focus on urban regions to compete with the Liberals. "If the NDP aims to regain its status as a major party, a radical shift is necessary from the prevailing communitarian ideology," warns André Lamoureux, a political science lecturer at UQAM.

How Will the Race Be Organized?

The federal council of the NDP will need to determine the rules and schedule for the leadership election in the coming weeks. Few details are available at present, but the last leadership race, which brought Jagmeet Singh to power in October 2017, spanned over a year. "The party likely wants a more fluid process to allow the new leader adequate time to develop their vision, and establish themselves ahead of the next elections," says Chouinard.

With Seven MPs, Will the Party Play a Role in Ottawa?

Despite having only seven representatives in the House of Commons, the NDP will still wield some influence in Ottawa. With their continued support, they can sway government decisions and hold the incumbent government accountable. The party will also have the opportunity to offer their own policies and challenge the ruling party on critical issues important to Canadians.

Despite this, as noted by Eric Montigny, the party's fortunes have significantly diminished with the loss of its official party status, leaving it with less financial support and speaking time in Parliament. This could hinder the party's visibility in the face of the ongoing challenges ahead, including potential policy disputes surrounding Trump-era trade agreements and retaining working-class voter support under a Liberal minority government.

The New Democrats, amid their difficult situation following Jagmeet Singh's resignation and a crushing defeat in the 2025 federal election, need to select a new leader, potentially invoking an accelerated process due to the typical lifespan of a minority government.
Contenders for the NDP leadership position include Alexandre Boulerice from Quebec, Heather McPherson re-elected for a third term in Edmonton, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, and Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.
The NDP faces a critical decision in choosing their next leader, with two potential paths: a return to the party's labor roots or a focus on urban regions to compete with the Liberals.
The party's federal council will soon determine the rules and schedule for the leadership election, aiming for a more fluid process to provide the new leader sufficient time to develop their vision and establish themselves before the next elections.