New Democrat MPs Convene on Vancouver Island for Caucus Retreat

The seven Members of Parliament from the New Democratic Party (NDP) are gathering for a caucus retreat on Vancouver Island this week. The retreat, taking place in the Courtenay-Alberni riding, aims to facilitate discussions with community and Indigenous leaders before the MPs return to Ottawa.

Gord Johns, the MP for Courtenay-Alberni, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “We haven’t had a caucus retreat in our riding in the past. It’s a huge honour that my caucus has agreed on our invitation to come to our riding.” The MPs will be staying at a private location in Parksville during their time on the island.

The caucus includes interim NDP leader Don Davies from Vancouver Kingsway, Johns, Jenny Kwan from Vancouver East, Lori Idlout representing Nunavut, Heather McPherson from Edmonton Strathcona, Leah Gazan from Winnipeg Centre, and Alexandre Boulerice from Montreal’s Rosemont-La Petite Patrie. Johns detailed that these meetings are closed-door sessions where the caucus will set its agenda for the upcoming fall session.

Despite currently not holding official party status in the Canadian federal government, the NDP MPs continue to represent their constituencies with dedication. Johns reflected on the challenges faced in the recent election, remarking, “It was a difficult election. There’s no better place to heal than the beaches of Vancouver Island.”

While the retreat is not open to the public, constituents will have the chance to meet with caucus members on September 10, 2024, during a town hall meeting at 7 p.m. at the Lower Native Sons Hall located at 360 Cliffe Avenue. Additionally, on September 9, 2024, the MPs will hold a closed meeting with the Tseshaht First Nation in Port Alberni at 10 a.m. Johns highlighted the importance of this engagement, stating, “We’re honoured Chief Wahmeesh Ken Watts has offered to organize our first day… and help us get grounded on Vancouver Island.”

The NDP is also in the process of selecting a new leader following the resignation of Jagmeet Singh, who stepped down after one of the party’s worst electoral performances in history. In the 2025 federal election, the NDP entered with 24 seats but emerged with only seven. Singh himself finished third in his riding in Burnaby.

While the leadership race is officially underway, none of the seven MPs have publicly declared their intentions to run as of the latest updates. Notably, Johns, Idlout, Boulerice, and Davies have all confirmed they will not pursue the leadership position.

Local political figures such as Tanille Johnston, a city councillor in Campbell River, and Rob Ashton, President of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, have initiated efforts to gather nomination signatures for their leadership bids. Although neither has made a formal announcement regarding their candidacy, they are actively working towards meeting the requirements.

To run for leadership, candidates must collect 500 signatures from NDP members. Notably, half of these signatures must be from individuals who do not identify as cis men, with additional requirements for youth and equity-seeking groups. Furthermore, at least 50 signatures must come from five designated regions: Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia/North, and the Prairies. Each candidate is required to pay an entry fee of $100,000, which is to be paid in four installments by specified deadlines.

The NDP plans to announce its new leader on March 29, 2026. Only those who have registered with the party by January 28, 2026, will be eligible to vote in the leadership election.

This retreat represents a critical moment for the NDP as it seeks to regroup and strategize for the future.