NDP leadership candidates to square off in final debate

By Canadian Press on February 19, 2026.

OTTAWA — The five NDP leadership candidates are in the Vancouver area today for the second and final party-organized debate of the leadership race.

This English language debate follows a French language debate in Montreal late last year that was also held predominantly in English.

Dockworker union leader Rob Ashton, social worker Tanille Johnston, documentarian Avi Lewis, Alberta MP Heather McPherson and organic farmer Tony McQuail are competing for the leadership.

There will be no in-studio audience and veteran broadcast journalist Hannah Thibedeau will moderate the debate, which is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET.

The race will be decided through a ranked ballot vote.

The next NDP leader will be announced on March 29 during the party’s convention in Winnipeg.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 19, 2025.

David Baxter, The Canadian Press