NDP to meet on leadership race rules amidst internal debate on funding

July 10, 2025

RED FM News Desk

The NDP’s national council is expected to convene this evening to continue refining the rules for the upcoming leadership race to replace Jagmeet Singh.

Some within the party, including former Members of Parliament, believe the leadership contest will significantly boost fundraising efforts, thereby helping to alleviate the party’s campaign debt.

However, a group of former party staffers and MPs, rallying under the banner of Reclaim Canada’s NDP, are encouraging party members to redirect their donations from the central party to local electoral associations. This move aims to strengthen the NDP’s grassroots operations.

Former B.C. NDP MP Rachel Blaney suggests that the central party could “take a bit of a hit” to empower local resources and expand the party’s base. Conversely, a former senior NDP strategist views this strategy as “self-sabotaging,” arguing that riding associations cannot win elections without the support of the central party apparatus.

The NDP received over $3 million in rebates from Elections Canada following the 2019 and 2021 campaigns. However, fewer than 50 NDP candidates secured the necessary 10 percent of a riding’s vote to qualify for rebates this year, indicating a potential challenge for local funding efforts.