SASKATOON — Heather McPherson is seeking the leadership of the federal New Democratic Party with one goal in mind: rebuilding the party into a strong and effective force in parliament after suffering a significant setback in the 2025 national election. The NDP was left with seven seats in Ottawa after previously holding 25, and former leader Jagmeet Singh lost the Burnaby Central riding to the Liberals’ Wade Chang.
Member of Parliament (MP) for the New Democratic Party (NDP), representing Edmonton-Strathcona, McPherson, in an interview with SaskToday on Jan. 7, said her clear objective, if she wins the party leadership, is to turn the NDP into a strong and effective force in Ottawa that delivers tangible results for Canadians. She said that includes prioritizing public health care, protecting human and workers’ rights, and pursuing a moral foreign policy — achievements she noted have historically occurred when the NDP has had a strong presence in parliament.
“I put my name forward because I have won three times, and I have a seat in the House of Commons. I've won in Alberta, which you could imagine is not always easy as a New Democrat. In fact, I've built the party in Alberta so that my seat at Edmonton-Strathcona is the strongest NDP seat in the country. I know how to build our party,” said McPherson.
"I know how to win, I know how to get things done in Ottawa, and I think I am a good choice to rebuild this party. I'm a hard worker, and I know it's going to take a lot of work for us to get the NDP back to a place where it should be."
She added that Alberta is one of the provinces where the federal NDP has traditionally struggled to win and hold seats in parliament. After visiting Saskatoon, McPherson said she will also make stops in Moose Jaw and Regina.
She is contesting the NDP leadership against labour union leader Robert Tyler Earle Ashton, journalist Avi Lewis, Tanille Johnston and Tony McQuail. Candidates have more than two months to campaign ahead of the leadership vote scheduled for March 29.
The NDP continues to hold power provincially in parts of the country, with two premiers — David Eby in British Columbia and Wab Kinew in Manitoba — and serving as the Official Opposition in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Ontario.
McPherson said she does not view herself as the front-runner in the leadership race, but hopes party members will judge her by her work ethic, electoral record and accomplishments since succeeding former MP Linda Duncan in 2019.
“I'm proud of some of the work I've gotten done in Ottawa. I'm good at getting things done, and I’m not afraid of rolling up my sleeves and getting to work. But it's a long race, and I'm taking the time to speak to people across the country. I think, probably more than any other candidate, I've made sure I'm in communities from coast to coast to coast. Last night [Jan. 6], I was in Prince Albert and had a great meeting with a whole bunch of people. I want to make sure I am speaking to as many New Democrats in every region of the country as possible,” McPherson added.
McPherson said Canada needs a revitalized NDP at a time when she believes federal politics is drifting to the right. She said rebuilding the party is not only about electoral success but also restoring the NDP’s influence in shaping the national agenda. She pointed to the party’s role in advancing progressive public policy, including advocating for a principled foreign policy and defending social programs.
“We saw that a lot of people voted because they were afraid of Donald Trump. I think they also believed that [Prime Minister] Mark Carney would do some of the things he said, and, to be honest, he has shown himself to be quite the Conservative in the end. I know that many New Democrats lent their votes to the Liberal Party. They're disappointed when Mark Carney makes decisions that are much further to the right,” said McPherson.
“That is the reason why Conservatives are aligning with Mark Carney right now. We've seen the Conservative Party vote with the Carney Liberals time and time again. We've seen Conservatives cross the floor to join the Liberals because they're comfortable with the policies he's bringing forward. For me, that opens up many opportunities. There needs to be a progressive party in Ottawa.”
She further argued that Canada does not want a two-party system dominated by conservative parties. In Saskatchewan, she said, the growing strength of the provincial NDP under leader Carla Beck shows voters are open to a progressive option. McPherson said a federal NDP must work closely with strong provincial counterparts and support their efforts to form government.
McPherson acknowledged the recent election was disappointing for the party but said it offered lessons for moving forward. She emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with provincial parties, arguing they should be treated as partners rather than liabilities.
If elected leader, McPherson said her focus will be on unity, grassroots engagement and advancing policies that improve everyday life for Canadians.
