The NDP leadership debate stage is photographed in Montreal on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

By The Canadian Press

NDP convention begins in Winnipeg as members prepare to pick new leader

Mar 27, 2026 | 1:00 AM

OTTAWA — Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew called on NDP delegates today to focus on issues like affordability and health care and wait to form a government before tackling bigger policy ideas.

Kinew’s speech opened the party’s convention in Winnipeg, where delegates will choose their new leader Sunday morning and hold the party’s first policy debate since 2023.

Rebuilding the NDP — after the party was reduced to just seven seats in last year’s election — has been a key focus of the leadership race.

The next leader now faces an even tougher task after Nunavut MP Lori Idlout crossed the floor to join the Liberals two weeks ago, leaving the NDP with just six seats.

Delegates will debate adopting a permanent political organizing model aimed at growing the NDP’s presence in communities outside election cycles, and getting more resources to riding associations.

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Many in the party have said they need to reconnect with their grassroots support in order to get back to recognized party status in the House of Commons.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2026.

David Baxter, The Canadian Press