## Revitalizing the Party
The five NDP leadership candidates share a broad consensus on the need to re-energize the party’s base and strengthen local riding associations. Each candidate emphasizes reconnecting with supporters at the community level and building the NDP into a more activist and inclusive organization.
> “We need to empower members, not just during leadership races, but in every decision the party makes,” one candidate noted.
### Key Priorities Among Candidates
While they agree on party renewal, the candidates differ in focus and approach:
- **Expanding grassroots engagement.** Several propose more direct democracy through open policy conventions and community-based decision-making.
- **Improving economic equity.** Proposals include stronger labor protections, progressive taxation, and measures to curb corporate concentration.
- **Affordable housing initiatives.** Many back large-scale public housing projects and rent control mechanisms to address the housing crisis.
- **Climate action.** A just transition plan for workers in the fossil fuel sector is central to most platforms, pairing job creation with green infrastructure investment.
- **Expanding healthcare.** Universal pharmacare and dental coverage feature prominently, reflecting a return to traditional NDP priorities.
### Emphasis on Party Identity
Some candidates stress the importance of clarifying the NDP’s position in Canada’s political spectrum, aiming to distinguish it more sharply from the Liberals. They advocate for a “principled left” identity focused on social justice, labor rights, and sustainable development, rather than centrist compromises.
> “If we stop trying to be a softer version of another party and start showing who we are, people will follow,” another contender stated.
### Calls for Modernization
Across campaigns, there is agreement that the NDP must update its organizational tools, digital strategy, and outreach methods. Modern communication and stronger member participation are seen as crucial to revitalizing the party in both urban and rural communities.
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**Author Summary:**
NDP leadership contenders share a vision of grassroots renewal and bold social reform, aiming to rebuild party unity through progressive, member-driven change.
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The Canadian Press on MSN — 2025-11-29