The Ontario NDP have revealed the rules for the next leadership race, which emphasize identity politics. .“It’s an exciting time to be a New Democrat in Ontario,” said Ontario NDP president Janelle Brady in a Friday press release..“Our party is stronger than ever, and in 2023 we’ll be electing not only the next leader of the NDP, but the next premier of Ontario.”.Candidates need to submit signatures from 100 Ontario NDP members supporting their candidacy, according to the press release. .The press release went on to say at least 50% of each candidate's signatories have to be women. It said at least 25% of each candidate's signatories must be social equity-seeking members, including racialized people. .The next Ontario NDP leader will be elected the first week of March. The registration deadline will be in early December. .A new Ontario NDP leader has to be elected with 50% plus one vote, from all ballots cast. Ranked balloting will be used, and multiple rounds are possible until a candidate obtains a majority. .The press release said the spending limit for each leadership campaign will be $900,000. This number does not include spending on childcare costs for the candidate, or his or her team, accessibility accommodations, or the registration fee..The registration fee will be $5,000, right away, with another $50,000 paid in instalments. These costs are expected to be met by supporters via fundraising, and it is lower than the amounts from the most recent Ontario Liberal and Ontario Progressive Conservative leadership races. .The full contest rules will be available online, and they will dovetail with the NDP’s constitution and Elections Ontario’s rules and finance requirements for leadership contests..“We’re ready to show Ontarians they can finally have a premier who fights for families and workers — fixing healthcare, lifting wages up, and tackling the cost of living,” said Brady. .Ontario NDP MPP Peter Tabuns was chosen by the party’s council to serve as interim leader on June 29. .READ MORE: Ontario NDP elects Peter Tabuns as interim leader.“It’s my honour to take on the interim leadership of the Ontario NDP,” said Tabuns. .“Our caucus is re-energized, and we’re committed to taking on the Ford government in the months to come.”
