The Alberta NDP has experienced a meteoric rise in membership, with a surge of more than five times since December 2023. This surge is a testament to the party’s growing popularity and enthusiasm ahead of its leadership race, slated for June. The party unveiled that 85,144 members will be eligible to participate in the leadership selection, marking a significant increase from the 16,224 members recorded as of December 31, 2023. This membership expansion is a historic milestone for the Alberta NDP, reflecting the widespread support for the party’s mission of forming the next government. Amanda Freistadt, the chief returning officer for the Alberta NDP, expressed her excitement over the overwhelming response, stating that the race has attracted voters from all walks of life and regions of the province. With the largest number of NDP members in Alberta’s history eligible to vote, the party anticipates a high voter turnout. The leadership race commenced after Rachel Notley’s announcement in January that she would be stepping down from the leadership role. The race initially featured five candidates vying for the position: former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi, Calgary-Mountain View MLA Kathleen Ganley, Edmonton-Glenora MLA Sarah Hoffman, Edmonton-Rutherford MLA Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse and Alberta Federation of Labour leader Gil McGowan. However, McGowan recently made the difficult decision to suspend his campaign, citing financial limitations in paying the final installment of the $60,000 entry fee. Despite withdrawing, McGowan emphasized his unwavering commitment to challenging the UCP’s policies and supporting organized labor. He urged the eventual winner of the race to recognize the importance of reaching out to working Albertans, a demographic that polls indicate is currently leaning towards the UCP. McGowan’s insights stem from his belief that workers represent the ‘missing piece’ and must be a central focus of the NDP’s strategy to defeat the UCP and address critical issues facing the province. The Alberta NDP will send ballots and voting instructions to eligible members via Canada Post at the end of May. Voting will be conducted online, by telephone, or through mail-in ballots. The voting period opens on June 3 and concludes on June 22 at 12 p.m. The party plans to announce the newly elected leader in Calgary on the afternoon of June 22.
Alberta NDP Membership Skyrockets, McGowan Bows Out of Leadership Race
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