NDP leadership candidates look inward as party faces decline

After a leadership debate, five NDP hopefuls focused on rebuilding the party while showing limited French ability and offering few clear plans to regain lost support.

The New Democratic Party held a leadership debate this week as candidates address the party's recent losses. Candidates emphasized rebuilding the party rather than presenting broad national strategies. Observers noted limited French proficiency among many contenders, a factor relevant to support in Quebec. The discussion highlighted internal divisions and the challenge of recovering voters who moved to other parties. Key points: - Five leadership hopefuls are competing while focusing on internal rebuilding rather than a wide national outreach. - Many candidates showed limited ability in French, which affects prospects in Quebec. - The debate offered few detailed plans for regaining past supporters or resolving regional tensions. - Internal divisions have coincided with a loss of support to other federal parties. Summary: The debate underscored an inward-facing campaign and persistent regional and linguistic challenges for the NDP, with candidates concentrating on reconstruction rather than expansive policy offers. A leadership vote is expected in March as the party continues its selection process.