NDP Caucus Retreat on Vancouver Island: MPs Meet with Leaders

URGENT UPDATE: The New Democratic Party (NDP) is currently holding a crucial caucus retreat on Vancouver Island, gathering seven MPs for vital discussions impacting their future. This week, the MPs are meeting with community and Indigenous leaders in the Courtenay-Alberni riding, marking a significant moment as they strategize for the upcoming parliamentary session.

The MPs, including interim NDP leader Don Davies from Vancouver Kingsway, Gord Johns from Courtenay-Alberni, and others, are engaging in closed-door meetings at an undisclosed location in Parksville. “We haven’t had a caucus retreat in our riding in the past,” Johns stated, emphasizing the honor of hosting his caucus members.

The urgency of this retreat is underscored by the NDP’s current political climate, having suffered one of the worst election results in history. The party entered the 2025 election with 24 seats but emerged with only 7 seats, leading to the resignation of former leader Jagmeet Singh. Johns noted, “It was a difficult election. There’s no better place to heal than the beaches of Vancouver Island.”

The MPs are slated to meet with the Tseshaht First Nation on September 9 at 10 a.m. in a closed session to establish connections and discuss local issues. On September 10, there will be a public town hall meeting at 7 p.m. at the Lower Native Sons Hall (360 Cliffe Avenue) in Courtenay, allowing residents to engage directly with their representatives.

As the NDP searches for a new leader, two potential candidates have stepped into the spotlight. Campbell River city councillor Tanille Johnston and Rob Ashton, President of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, have initiated efforts to gather nomination signatures. Candidates must collect 500 signatures, with specific requirements for diversity and representation.

The party’s new leader will be announced on March 29, 2026, with voting eligibility for registered members by January 28, 2026. As the NDP navigates this transitional period, the caucus retreat serves as a critical platform to address both internal challenges and community connections.

Stay tuned for further updates as the NDP caucus continues its retreat and prepares to reshape its agenda for the future. This meeting could redefine the party’s trajectory as they seek to regain support and influence in Canadian politics.