WHAT'S NEXT FOR ONTARIO?
The future of the province is coming into focus as New Democrats vote in a new leader in March, 2023.
Leadership hopefuls will have until early December 2022 to register as candidates in the contest, and the next premier of Ontario will be chosen.
Foundational principles of the contest include generating enthusiasm for the Ontario NDP, its ideas and principles; being positive, inclusive and accessible; and growing the membership of the party including prioritizing growth in equity-deserving communities.
IMPORTANT DATES
There's a lot that needs to happen before we can welcome our new Ontario NDP leader. Here are the important dates and deadlines you need to know.
Monday, July 18— Campaign Period Begins
Sunday, November 13 - Leadership Candidates Meet and Greet
Monday, December 5— Candidate Nomination Deadline
Wednesday, December 14 - Leadership Debate: Save the Date!
Wednesday, December 14— Affiliate Registration Deadline
Tuesday, January 3 — Membership Sign-up Deadline
Saturday, March 4 — New Leader Announcement Event
FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS
We've collected some of your most frequently-asked questions about the Ontario NDP leadership race here, including questions about the campaign period, memberships, the voting period, candidate requirements and more.
Have a question you don't see listed here? Please reach out to us and we'll do what we can to get it answered.
When is the contest period?
The contest period begins on July 18, 2022 and ends on March 4, 2023 (the Leadership Election Date).
Do I have to be a member of the Ontario NDP to vote in the Leadership Election?
Yes. You must be a member in good standing of the Ontario NDP.
When is the deadline to sign up as an Ontario NDP member in order to be eligible to vote?
The deadline to sign up as an Ontario NDP member and be eligible to vote is January 3, 2023.
What is the minimum age to join as a member of the Ontario NDP?
Membership in the Ontario NDP is open to individuals 13 years of age or older.
Who do I contact to confirm that I am an eligible voting member of the Ontario NDP or to update contact information associated with my membership?
Contact the Ontario NDP Provincial Office by phone at 1-866-390-6637 or by email at membership@ontariondp.ca
When will eligible voting members receive voting instructions?
Voting instructions will be sent to all eligible voting members before the voting period begins.
What is the deadline for candidates to enter the leadership race?
The deadline to submit a completed nomination, including the registration fees, is December 5 2022.
Who is eligible to run in the leadership race?
To be eligible to seek approval to stand as a candidate in the leadership race, you must be a member in good standing of the Ontario NDP 60 days before voting day, must demonstrate a genuine interest in seeking the leadership and serving as the Leader, and must be eligible to stand for election to the Ontario legislature.
Will there be any leadership debates?
Yes. There will be at least two official leadership events. The Leadership Election CEO will determine the details and schedule of the events.
Who can make a political contribution (donation) to a leadership candidate?
An individual must be a resident of Ontario and either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to be eligible to make a political contribution to a leadership candidate.
What is the maximum an eligible individual can donate to a leadership candidate?
The annual maximum amount an eligible individual can donate in 2022 to each leadership candidate is $3,325 as set by the Ontario Election Finances Act.
Can an eligible individual donate to multiple leadership candidates?
Yes. An eligible individual can donate up to $3,325 annually to each leadership candidate.
I have already donated $3,325 (the maximum annual amount) to the Ontario NDP this year. Can I still donate to leadership candidates?
Yes. Donations made to the Ontario NDP (or Riding Associations) are separate from donations made to leadership candidates.
LEADERSHIP RULES
The detailed rules of the leadership contest are below:
For any questions, please contact the office of the Chief Electoral Officer at: ceo@ontariondp.ca
