Former NDP MPs Rule Out Leadership Bid as Party Sets Stage for Race

Two former Members of Parliament have announced they will not be seeking the leadership of the federal New Democratic Party following the release of initial rules for the leadership race.

Matthew Green, the former MP for Hamilton Centre, stated on Friday that he would not be running. He expressed his intention to offer advice and support to potential leadership candidates. Green cited his relative youth in politics and the need to improve his French language skills as factors in his decision. He also emphasized his commitment to promoting internal party democracy, accountability, and greater engagement with party members. Green was first elected to Parliament in 2021 and was defeated in the recent election, which saw the NDP caucus shrink significantly.

Also on Friday, Guy Caron, the former NDP House leader, confirmed he would not be entering the leadership race despite being encouraged to do so. He is focused on his re-election campaign as the mayor of Rimouski, Quebec, a position he won in 2021 after his federal political career. Caron, who served as an MP from 2011 to 2019, acknowledged that he had been approached about the party leadership.

The party is set to choose its next leader by March 29, 2026, with the results announced at a convention in Winnipeg. The rules allow leadership candidates to pay the $100,000 entry fee in installments, a significant increase from the previous race. Voters must have joined the party at least 60 days before the close of voting, and multiple voting methods are planned.

Avi Lewis, an activist, is still considering a bid for the leadership. He believes the timeline established by the initial rules will allow for a more diverse group of candidates. He emphasized the importance of a longer timeline to engage with the party's base and the wider public.