McPherson Maintains Optimism for NDP Rebuild Amid Leadership Race
With just two weeks remaining until the federal NDP announces its new leader, Edmonton-Strathcona MP Heather McPherson embarked on a series of campaign stops throughout Edmonton, meeting with supporters in intimate gatherings rather than the traditional packed convention halls.
Intimate Gatherings Reflect Party's Rebuilding Phase
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, McPherson visited the Alberta Avenue Community Centre, where approximately thirty supporters gathered in a meeting room. The event stood in stark contrast to typical political rallies, featuring no noisemakers or large placards. McPherson's bright orange skirt provided the only visible display of NDP colors during the low-key, community-focused gathering.
"One of the things that we like as New Democrats is getting in the room full of other New Democrats," McPherson explained. "So it's also a community-building thing. If we're rebuilding our party, that means bringing people together. Of course, you can vote on your phone from anywhere, but bringing people together, bringing people into the same room, having good conversations, I think means something as well."
Challenges Following Recent Defection
McPherson's Edmonton tour followed a difficult week for the party, as Nunavut MP Lori Idlout crossed the floor to join the Liberals. This defection reduced the federal NDP caucus to just six members, highlighting the party's current challenges and the need for significant rebuilding efforts.
The leadership candidate emphasized the importance of maintaining a multi-party democracy in Canada, warning against the development of a two-party system similar to that of the United States. "Even if you're not a New Democrat, you should be interested in this, having a thriving democracy with strong parties," McPherson stated.
Leadership Race Dynamics
Online voting is currently underway in the NDP leadership race, with voting scheduled to conclude on March 28 and the new leader to be announced on March 29. Political analysts describe the contest as primarily a two-person race between McPherson and filmmaker Avi Lewis, who comes from a prominent NDP family as the son of former Ontario NDP leader Stephen Lewis and grandson of former federal NDP head David Lewis.
The field also includes longshoremen union leader Rob Ashton, former Campbell River, B.C., councillor Tanille Johnston, and organic farmer Tony McQuail. Among all five candidates, McPherson holds the distinction of being the only one currently serving as a Member of Parliament.
When asked about the competition, McPherson declined to comment on other candidates, preferring to focus on her own campaign. "We're doing our own race," she said, while acknowledging that she believes the contest remains very close.
Broader Implications for Canadian Democracy
McPherson argued that recent global events have made progressive voters particularly concerned about political direction, creating an opportunity for the NDP to rebuild around policies grounded in human rights and international law. "I think people are seeing how important it is that we do this," she remarked about the party's rebuilding efforts. "This is important for our democracy."
The candidate emphasized the need for a strong progressive party to hold the government accountable for promises made to Canadians, suggesting that the NDP's revival could play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy, multi-party political system in Canada.
