PERSPECTIVES: Recollections and Reflections on the 2026 NDP Convention

There was much speculation going into convention that the NDP was a spent force in Canada’s political scene. I and many attending the 2026 bi-annual convention in Winnipeg were not of this view. That said, I venture to guess that many of the over 2000 delegates believed that, beyond electing a new leader, the organization must change to meet the moment. 

Overall, I felt that the mood at this convention was hopeful. London was well represented by new and long-time members of all four London area ridings, including active union members, disability and education activists, and all four 2025 federal candidates. 

Winnipeg’s Historical Significance as Convention Location

Hosting the convention in Winnipeg is of historic significance to the NDP in various ways. The 1919 Winnipeg General Strike was pivotal in increasing unionism and activism in Canada. Several strikers, including J.S. Woodsworth formed the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), the precursor to the NDP. Winnipeg is home to Wab Kinew, a very popular and beloved NDP premier.

Of importance to the NDP’s future, Winnipeg is where the CCF’s second manifesto, the 1956 Winnipeg Declaration was ratified. The CCF’s original declaration, the Regina Manifesto, proudly aimed for a socialist economy featuring nationalization of major sectors with a relentless goal to eradicate capitalism. The Winnipeg Declaration lowered ambitions to governing over a mixed economy using social democracy. Some observers mark this as the beginning of a slide to the right for CCF which put its successor the NDP in position to soften its goals and develop neo-liberal and third-way positions. When it came to choosing a new leader, internal leadership and overall direction, there were many calls for a sharp turn to the left. 

Due to a morning flight on the first day, I could not attend the opening ceremonies, addresses by Premier Kinew and Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske, and a Tribute to outgoing leader Jagmeet Singh. My fellow London delegates reported that Kinew’s speech was quite rousing. Some mused that perhaps he was setting up for a future leadership bid. I was told that the tribute to Jagmeet was very well done. He was in attendance but didn’t speak. I found this odd. A fellow London delegate remarked that the tribute was very emotional and perhaps he had no words.

NDP’s Policy Debates on ‘Redefining Canada’s Place in the World’ 

I arrived on the floor during the discussion of “Policy Block 1- Redefining Canada’s Place in the World”. What was impressive is that eight of the ten resolutions presented in this block were discussed. In many ONDP/NDP conventions, three to four resolutions are debated per policy block leading to much frustration and calls for more time for debate to prevent important resolutions from dying on the convention floor. 

Given the situation in Palestine, it was not surprising that the top resolution was titled Closing Arms Export Loopholes. There were also resolutions on improving global access to vaccines and health equity, a call on the NDP to oppose the Golden Dome defence system and a condemnation of Prime Minister Carney’s abandonment of gender equality on the global stage. The second-place ranking of Exploring Closer Canada-European Union Relations was a real surprise to me. I think this resolution expresses a Carney idea and deepens connections with an imperialist entity. Not what I expect from even a social democratic party who should be expressing internationalist calls with the working class and unions. Thankfully this resolution was narrowly defeated. 

I was very happy to see a resolution on Opposing Canada’s Complicity with the United Arab Emirates in Support for the Genocide in Sudan. The ongoing genocide and atrocities in Sudan are spottily reported on in Canada. The adopted Sudan resolution echoed a comprehensive list of demands from the Canadian Sudanese community including suspension of arms exports to the UAE, targeted sanctions on UAE and other supporters of the RSF and increased humanitarian assistance. One glaring omission was improving evacuation and consular access for stranded Sudanese-Canadians and permanent residents.

Toronto’s Over-representation in Regional Caucus 

After adjournment was the Ontario Regional Caucus meeting, the largest regional group. Key members of the ONDP leadership ran for leadership positions in the Ontario Caucus which places them automatically on the Federal Council. I find this problematic for a few reasons. One, only one member of the three-person slate was not from the GTA. This results in too much big-city representation at the expense of rural members. Second, the name recognition and ‘fame’ of the provincially elected members, crowds out competent candidates from the grassroots. 

Leadership Showcase 

The Leadership Showcase was to be the highlight of Saturday’s schedule. A couple of comrades who attended the Labour Caucus on Friday morning noted that there was some concern about Lewis’ commitment to labour. A comrade reported that the most hard-hitting comment at the Labour Caucus meeting was not the expected LEAP/Breach issue. Rather, a member questioned Avi’s commitment to the Labour movement since no unions were consulted when his public grocery policy was formulated. I’m not sure one could read a lot into this comment. Based on delegate comments during the policy blocks, I believe a reassessment of the NDP’s relationship with organized labour is necessary as well as an understanding of who comprises the working class under conditions of legislated poverty, gig work and declining union membership.

Avi’s speech kicked off the Leadership Showcase. He aims “to bring our party back from the wilderness and into the heart of Canadian political life once again”. He skillfully touched on the angst associated with Trump and cost of living issues. He also spoke about successful examples of what the NDP can achieve to uplift Canadians, such as a non-market housing project and restoration of abandoned oil wells.

Next up was Tony MQuail, dressed in his trademark hat. Tony gave a speech that resonated well with the audience. He stayed true to his Quaker roots by speaking about mutually assured success and survival and a non-violent defense strategy. He was the only candidate bold enough to mention the leadership race exclusion of Yves Engler and Bianca Mugyenyi and he even attended the Yves Engler event that night. 

Third was Tanille Johnston, who a lot of people thought of as the future of the NDP. Refreshingly she spoke about arts and culture. My favourite line from her regarding reconciliation was “…justice must show up in the budget.” She stated that the party must honour our roots in the working class, farmers and labour. Tanille dreamed of improving accessibility for the over 20% of Canadians that are disabled.

Labour leader, Rob Ashton had the most unique preamble for his brief speech, choosing to have a fireside chat with former MP Bonita Zarillo, USW Canada National Director and youth Alyssa Cadet. I thought it was a novel way to introduce his achievements and policies. Rob noted that division is the work of the corporate class. His message that a working-class party in Canada is still needed and this is our opportunity to connect with the people and communities we are meant to serve was front and centre.

The final speech was by incumbent MP, Heather McPherson. She aptly noted, we are not losing support because our values are wrong, it is because we have not connected. She highlighted the importance of reconciliation, protection of public services, and fighting the climate crisis. She confidently stated that she was the only one ready to hold Carney accountable on Day 1.

Federal Executive ‘Establishment’ Slate Defeated 

The most avid campaigning was for the federal executive elections. The federal executive elections (President, Vice-President and Treasurer) were the highlight of Saturday afternoon. There were three slates: the ‘establishment slate’ Team Malcolm with an incumbent Treasurer and Vice President, the Socialist Caucus slate led by Jasmine Peardon who presented a full policy platform (Capitalism Can’t be Fixed) and the Avi-related team featuring former MP Libby Davies. Notably there was an excellent and experienced candidate for Treasurer from the disability community, Virginia Burton, whose candidacy was overshadowed by the political maneuverings. The defeat of the establishment slate in tight races was surprising to some. I speculate that a significant number of delegates wanted change in the internal leadership.

Member Let-Downs with Convention Equity Analysis and Logistics 

On the final day, it was disheartening to hear points of privilege from members of the disabled community and Indigenous MP Leah Gazan. From a malfunctioning elevator, late scheduling of the Disability Caucus meeting and poor accommodations in other committee meetings, the organizers did not live up to the expectations of their vulnerable members. This is the second straight convention that an Indigenous member bemoaned the scheduling of the policy block which most affects them on the final day when people are leaving. 

High Expectations for Party Renewal

Member expectations for renewal are high and there will be tensions as previously discussed. The new leadership will be pressed early to deliver results. Nevertheless, the Winnipeg convention set up the federal NDP to be a more engaging complement to social justice and union activism.