Federal NDP convention opens in Winnipeg with leadership vote set for weekend

New Democrats from across Canada are meeting in Winnipeg this weekend for a federal convention that will culminate in the selection of a new party leader.

According to party organizers, voting in the six-month leadership race is scheduled to close Saturday, with the results to be announced Sunday morning. The candidates include union leader Rob Ashton, social worker Tanille Johnston, filmmaker Avi Lewis, Alberta MP Heather McPherson and farmer Tony McQuail.

The leadership vote follows the party’s poorest federal election result on record last year. The incoming leader is expected to oversee a rebuilding process that includes membership growth, fundraising and policy direction ahead of the next election cycle.

This is the party’s first policy convention since 2023. Delegates are scheduled to debate resolutions on key issues including energy policy, electoral reform and affordability. Those discussions will help shape the party’s platform and priorities under the new leader.

Wab Kinew is expected to address delegates Friday afternoon, according to the convention agenda released by organizers.