2024 Alberta New Democratic Party leadership election explained

Election Name:2024 Alberta New Democratic Party leadership election
Country:Alberta
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Turnout:85.6%
Previous Election:2014 Alberta New Democratic Party leadership election
Previous Year:2014
Election Date:June 22, 2024
Candidate1:Naheed Nenshi
Popular Vote1:62,746
Percentage1:86.04%
Candidate2:Kathleen Ganley
Popular Vote2:5,899
Percentage2:8.09%
Candidate4:Sarah Hoffman
Popular Vote4:3,063
Percentage4:4.19%
Candidate5:Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse
Popular Vote5:1,222
Percentage5:1.67%
Leader
Before Election:Rachel Notley
After Election:Naheed Nenshi
Party:Alberta New Democratic Party
Fontcolour:white
Year:2024
Date:June 22, 2024
Location:TBD
Replaces:Rachel Notley
Entryfee:$60,000
Spendcap:$500,000

An Alberta New Democratic Party leadership election was held on June 22, 2024, due to leader Rachel Notley's announcement on January 16, 2024, that she would be resigning as leader of the New Democratic Party of Alberta, after a decade in the position, as soon as her successor is chosen. Notley served as Premier of Alberta from 2015 to 2019 and was Leader of the Opposition at the time of her announcement, which was made almost eight months after the NDP lost the May 2023 Alberta general election.[1]

Naheed Nenshi won the leadership election on the first ballot with 86% support and 62,746 votes, which the Alberta NDP claims is the most individual votes cast for a leadership candidate in any provincial party leadership race in Canadian history.[2]

Rules

Unlike the 2014 Alberta New Democratic Party leadership election in which a weighted voting system was used giving unions and affiliated organizations up to 20 per cent of the vote,[3] the 2024 election allocated 100 per cent of the vote to individual party members. Ranked ballots were used; as well as the Instant-runoff voting system to determine the winner. Voting was conducted online, by telephone, and by mail.[4]

To qualify to be on the ballot a candidate must: be approved by the Leadership Race Approvals Committee, complete a registration and disclosure form along with a $1,500 research fee, submit three separate registrations fees by their respective deadlines (see Timeline), and submit the signatures of a minimum of 50 nominators who are members in good standing. Candidates must secure 10 nominations from residents in each of the following regions: Edmonton constituencies, Northern Alberta constituencies, Central Alberta constituencies, Calgary constituencies, and Southern Alberta constituencies. At least one nominator from each region must self-identify as a woman, and at least one must must self-identify as equity seeking. At least 25 nominators overall must identify as women, and at least 20 nominators overall must identify as members belonging to equity seeking groups which include persons of colour, Indigenous, living with a disability, youth, and 2SLGBTQ+.[4]

Timeline

Debates

Debates among candidates for the 2024 Alberta New Democratic Party leadership election
No.DatePlaceHostParticipants — Participant
Not invited Absent invitee Out of race (withdrawn or disqualified)		References
StonehouseGanleyHoffmanMcGowanNenshi
1April 25, 2024LethbridgeAlberta NDP[11]
2May 11, 2024CalgaryAlberta NDP[12] [13]
3June 2, 2024EdmontonAlberta NDP

Candidates

Approved

Background

Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse is the MLA for Edmonton-Rutherford (2023–present). She identifies as Mohawk and Cree from the Michel First Nation.[14] [15]

Date candidacy declared: February 24, 2024[16]

Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta: February 22, 2024

Date candidacy approved: February 23, 2024

Campaign website: voteforjodi.ca

Campaign slogan: Stronger Together[17] Policies

Calahoo Stonehouse has proposed environmental policies including an "Albertans Right to Water Act," creating a council of youth and elders to advise on rights of nature, and investing in water technologies centre at the University of Lethbridge.[18] Calahoo Stonehouse also proposed the "Alberta Royalty Dividend" policy, when the price of oil goes above C$70 per barrel, a share of royalty payments which the Alberta Government collects would go directly to Albertans.[19] Calahoo Stonehouse's education policy includes curriculum reform including implementing history of Treaties and the Residential School system, stopping the scheduling of exams on significant days of observance, improving resources and funding for school boards, and ending the historic rates of dealth of children in the care of Alberta Children's Services.[20] Calahoo Stonehouse also committed to labour rights, opposing undermining collective agreements, and repealing the Restoring Balance in Alberta's Workplaces Act, 2020.[21]

Background

Katheen Ganley, is the MLA for Calgary-Mountain View (2019–present) and former MLA for Calgary-Buffalo (2015–2019). She previously served as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General (2015–2019) and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs (2015–2016).

Date candidacy declared: February 5, 2024[22]

Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta: February 5, 2024[23]

Date candidacy approved: February 6, 2024

Campaign website: teamganley.ca/

Campaign slogan: Work Together, Win Together[24] Policies

Ganley proposed immediately raising the minimum wage to $16 per hour, and to $17 per hour in 2025.[25] She also committed to increasing the basic income tax exemption to $26,000, but higher earners would not receive the benefit.[26]

Background

Sarah Hoffman, is the MLA for Edmonton-Glenora (2015–present). She previously served as Deputy Premier of Alberta (2016–2019), Minister of Health (2015–2019), Edmonton Public School Trustee (2010–2015), and Edmonton Public School Board of Trustees Chair (2012–2015).[27]

Date candidacy declared: February 11, 2024[28] [29]

Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta: February 5, 2024

Date candidacy approved: February 6, 2024

Campaign website: sarahhoffman.ca

Campaign slogan: Health. Climate. Housing.[30] Policies

Hoffman said she supports rent control and short term rent caps with increased housing supply.[31]

Background

Naheed Nenshi is a former Mayor of Calgary (2010–2021).[32] [33] [34] [35] Before entering politics, Nenshi taught non-profit management in the Bissett School of Business at Mount Royal University and wrote a regular municipal affairs column for the Calgary Herald.[36]

Date candidacy declared: March 11, 2024[37] [38]

Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta: March 11, 2024

Date candidacy approved: March 11, 2024

Campaign website: nenshi.ca

Campaign slogan: For all of us.[37]

Withdrew or failed to qualify

Gil McGowan

Background

Gil McGowan is president of the Alberta Federation of Labour (2005–present).[39] During the 2015 federal election, McGowan ran in Edmonton Centre for the federal NDP. On May 13, 2024, McGowan announced he would be withdrawing his candidacy due to being unable to pay the last instalment of the leadership race fees, which had been due on May 12, 2024.

Date candidacy declared: February 26, 2024

Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta: March 7, 2024

Date candidacy approved: March 7, 2024[40]

Date withdrew: May 13, 2024

Campaign website: gilforalberta.ca

Campaign slogan: Building a winning coalition[41] Policies

McGowan had released five "big ideas" out of seven.[42] The first focused on energy transition through Lougheed-inspired industrial policy and made reference to the Alberta Federation of Labour's Skate to Where the Puck is Going report.[43] [44] The second focused on addressing wage growth in Alberta by pursuing policies to target productivity like industrial policy and direct government investment, by encouraging tight labor markets, and by pursuing pro-union policies.[45] The third focused on affordability by, among other things, introducing rent controls, public auto insurance, and an excess profit penalty.[46] The fourth called for a strengthening of public healthcare and addressing the staffing crisis in healthcare and specifically primary care,[47] and the fifth was to defend public education through funding increases, reducing class sizes, and improving staff wages.[48]

BackgroundRakhi Pancholi is the MLA for Edmonton-Whitemud (2019–present). On March 26, 2024, Pancholi announced she would no longer be pursuing the leadership, and endorsed Naheed Nenshi.[49]
  • Date candidacy declared: February 8, 2024[50] [51]
  • Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta: February 7, 2024
  • Date candidacy approved: February 7, 2024
  • Date withdrew: March 26, 2024
  • Campaign website: voterakhi.ca/
  • Campaign slogan: Rakhi for Alberta[52]

    Background

    David Shepherd is the MLA for Edmonton-City Centre (2019–present), formerly MLA for Edmonton-Centre (2015–2019). On February 9, 2024, Shepherd announced he would no longer be pursuing the leadership due to ongoing health challenges.[53] Though Shepherd had registered his leadership campaign with Elections Alberta, Shepherd withdrew before he made a public declaration of candidacy. On April 3, 2024, Shepherd announced he was endorsing Naheed Nenshi.[54]

    Date candidacy declared: January 29, 2024 (to Elections Alberta)

    Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta: February 7, 2024

    Date candidacy approved: February 7, 2024

    Date withdrew: February 9, 2024

    Declined

    See also

    Notes and References

    1. News: Notley says she'll step down from Alberta NDP helm to make way for fresh voices . January 16, 2024 . CTV News . January 16, 2024.
    2. News: Rodriguez . Michael . June 24, 2024 . Alberta NDP names new caucus leadership; Nenshi in 'no rush' to claim a spot in the legislature . 2024-08-12 . Edmonton Journal.
    3. News: Alberta NDP leadership convention to be held in Edmonton in October . May 23, 2014 . Times-Colonist . May 2, 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140524022810/http://www.timescolonist.com/alberta-ndp-leadership-convention-to-be-held-in-edmonton-in-october-1.1018925 . May 24, 2014 .
    4. Web site: Vote Leadership 2024 Leadership Rules . Alberta NDP . February 3, 2024.
    5. Web site: Alberta NDP finalize rules for leadership race which will run Feb. 5 until June 22 . 2024-01-28 . Lethbridge News Now . en.
    6. Web site: Graveland . Bill . 2024-02-24 . 'It's the water crisis': Newest Alberta NDP leadership candidate to focus on climate . 2024-02-25 . CTV Edmonton . en.
    7. News: Bradley . Jonathan . 2024-02-26 . Alberta union boss says he will run for NDP leadership . 2024-02-27 . . en.
    8. Web site: Alberta NDP Announces Nominated Leadership Candidates and Official Events . 2024-03-23 . Alberta's NDP . en.
    9. News: Cook . Stephen . 2024-05-13 . Labour leader Gil McGowan drops out of Alberta NDP leadership contest . 2024-05-13 . . en.
    10. News: Chowdhury . Nishat . January 27, 2024 . Alberta NDP sets rules for leadership contest naming new party leader by June . CBC News.
    11. Web site: Alberta NDP . Vote Leadership 2024 - Lethbridge Debate . . 25 April 2024 . 14 May 2024.
    12. News: Jason . Markusoff . Slugs for Nenshi, hugs for rivals at NDP leadership's Calgary debate . May 13, 2024 . CBC News . May 11, 2024.
    13. News: Matt . Scace . Nenshi brushes aside criticism of track record at NDP leadership debate . May 15, 2024 . CBC News . May 11, 2024.
    14. News: Graveland . Bill . 2024-02-24 . Alberta NDP leadership candidate to focus on climate change, drought . 2024-02-27 . . en.
    15. News: APTN . 2024-02-27 . Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse to run for Alberta NDP leadership . 2024-02-27 . . en.
    16. 1761617381846364588 . jodi_stonehouse . Alberta, we are stronger together. I am proud to announce that I am running to be the leader of @albertaNDP..
    17. Web site: Vote for Jodi Stronger Together . 2024-03-27 . en-US.
    18. Web site: Calahoo Stonehouse . Jodi . Albertans Right to Water Act . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240503003106/https://voteforjodi.ca/albertans-right-to-water-act-2/ . 2024-05-03 . 2024-05-26 . Vote for Jodi . en-US.
    19. Web site: Calahoo Stonehouse . Jodi . THE ALBERTA ROYALTY DIVIDEND . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240526162409/https://voteforjodi.ca/the-alberta-royalty-dividendthe/ . 2024-05-26 . 2024-05-26 . Vote for Jodi . en-US.
    20. Web site: Calahoo Stonehouse . Jodi . CHILDREN ARE PRECIOUS. SO ARE THE PEOPLE WHO CARE FOR THEM. . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240503002709/https://voteforjodi.ca/children-are-precious-so-are-the-people-who-care-for-them/ . 2024-05-03 . 2024-05-26 . Vote for Jodi . en-US.
    21. Web site: Calahoo Stonehouse . Jodi . Labour Commitments . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240526165157/https://voteforjodi.ca/labour-commitments/ . 2024-05-26 . 2024-05-26 . Vote for Jodi . en-US.
    22. AdamMacVicar . 1754553672657514818 . NEW: Calgary-Mountain View NDP MLA Kathleen Ganley announces she is running for leader of the Alberta NDP..
    23. Web site: Leadership Contestants . 2024-03-11 . Elections Alberta.
    24. AdamMacVicar . 1754551397272760349 . NEW: Calgary Mountain View NDP MLA Kathleen Ganley is about to make an announcement..
    25. News: Laurice . Gomes . 2024-02-19 . NDP's Kathleen Ganley proposes minimum-wage hike . . 2024-02-23 . en.
    26. News: Lisa . Johnson . 2024-02-12 . Alberta NDP leadership hopeful Kathleen Ganley pitches income tax relief . . 2024-02-15 . en.
    27. News: Jonathan . Bradley . 2024-02-15 . Hoffman says she is 'fat, sassy' woman seeking NDP leadership . . 2024-02-15 . en.
    28. News: Janet . French . 2024-02-10 . Sarah Hoffman third NDP MLA to join party leadership race . 2024-02-12 . . en.
    29. News: Stephen . Hunt . 2024-02-10 . Hoffman to announce NDP leadership run at Sunday Edmonton event . 2024-02-15 . . en.
    30. Web site: Hoffman . Sarah . Sarah Hoffman for Leader . Sarah Hoffman for Leader . 12 February 2024.
    31. News: Breanna . Driedger . 2024-02-19 . Alberta NDP leader candidate Sarah Hoffman speaks on provincial issues, trans policies and robo abortion calls . . 2024-02-23 . en.
    32. News: Jason . Markusoff . 2024-02-06 . Ex-mayor Nenshi loathes partisan politics. He may run for NDP leader anyway . 2024-02-06 . . en.
    33. News: Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi considering bid for Alberta NDP leadership . February 3, 2024 . Calgary Herald . February 2, 2024.
    34. News: Marsha . Lederman . 2024-02-06 . Naheed Nenshi feels like the leader Alberta needs right now . . 2024-02-15 . en.
    35. News: Braid . Don . 2024-03-04 . Nenshi expected to go public March 11, but faces a maze of NDP rules . 2024-03-04 . . en.
    36. Web site: Naheed Nenshi . Calgary Herald . October 19, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100930183038/http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/election/Naheed+Nenshi/3179003/story.html . September 30, 2010 .
    37. News: Joel . Dryden . 2024-03-11 . Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi announces bid for Alberta NDP leadership . 2024-03-11 . . en.
    38. News: Kelly . Cryderman . 2024-03-11 . Naheed Nenshi's entry into the NDP race is a jolt for Alberta politics . 2024-03-11 . . en.
    39. News: Markusoff . Jason . 2023-12-17 . In 2024, Alberta NDP decides who it is without Rachel Notley as leader . 2024-02-27 . . en.
    40. 1765886788000985404 . gilmcgowan . Two announcements from me today: 1. I've officially been approved to stand as a candidate in the Alberta NDP leadership race. 2. I have Covid. I'm very excited about #1 … not so much about #2..
    41. Web site: Home . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240526154645/https://gilforalberta.ca/ . 2024-05-26 . 2024-03-26 . Gil McGowan for ANDP Leader . en-US.
    42. Web site: 7 big ideas to attract the support of working Albertans and build a winning coalition . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240526154703/https://gilforalberta.ca/platform/ . 2024-05-26 . 2024-05-26 . Gil McGowan for ANDP Leader . en-US.
    43. Web site: Big Idea #1: Pivot our energy economy towards the future . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240421121715/https://gilforalberta.ca/platform/big-idea-1-pivot-our-energy-economy-towards-the-future/ . 2024-04-21 . 2024-04-21 . Gil McGowan for ANDP Leader . en-US.
    44. Web site: 2022-10-12 . Ground-breaking report from Alberta unions urges province, energy industry to “Skate to Where the Puck is Going” by embracing job-rich energy future - AFL . 2024-04-21 . Alberta Federation of Labour . en-US.
    45. Web site: Big Idea #2 Give Working Albertans a Raise! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240522125125/https://gilforalberta.ca/platform/big-idea-2-give-working-albertans-a-raise/ . 2024-05-22 . 2024-04-21 . Gil McGowan for ANDP Leader . en-US.
    46. Web site: Big Idea #3: Become the "Affordability Party" . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240522144142/https://gilforalberta.ca/platform/big-idea-3-win-the-support-of-alberta-workers-by-tackling-the-affordability-crisis-big-idea-3-become-the-affordability-party/ . 2024-05-22 . 2024-04-21 . Gil McGowan for ANDP Leader . en-US.
    47. Web site: McGowan . Gil . Big Idea #4: Keep Albertans healthy by re-embracing public health care … and the practice of public health . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240526155119/https://gilforalberta.ca/platform/big-idea-4-keep-albertans-healthy-by-re-embracing-public-health-care-and-the-practice-of-public-health/ . 2024-05-26 . 2024-05-26 . Gil McGowan for ANDP Leader . en-US.
    48. Web site: McGowan . Gil . Big Idea #5: Fight back to defend K-12 public education . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240526154859/https://gilforalberta.ca/platform/big-idea-5-fight-back-to-defend-k-12-public-education/ . 2024-05-26 . 2024-05-26 . Gil McGowan for ANDP Leader . en-US.
    49. News: Caley . Gibson . Rakhi Pancholi drops out of Alberta NDP leadership race . 2024-03-26 . . en-US.
    50. pancholi_rakhi. 1755607418711449933 . NEW: Alberta is a place where opportunity is endless – for all of us. . 8 February 2024.
    51. News: CBC News . 2024-02-08 . Edmonton MLA Rakhi Pancholi launches NDP leadership bid . 2024-02-08 . . en.
    52. Web site: Pancholi . Rakhi . Vote Rakhi . 8 February 2024 . Rakhi Pancholi.
    53. 1756025414982729847 . DShepYEG . Unfortunately, due to ongoing challenges with my health, it's become clear that I'm currently not in a position to be able to move forward with pursuing the leadership of the Alberta NDP. #ableg . Feb 9, 2024.
    54. 1775533555122332032 . RealTalkRJ . BREAKING: #yeg MLA @DShepYEG endorses @nenshi for the next leader of the Alberta NDP..
    55. News: January 16, 2024 . Who could run to replace Rachel Notley as NDP leader? It could be a wide field . January 16, 2024 . Edmonton Journal.
    56. Web site: staff . rdnewsNOW . Alberta NDP announces changes to caucus leadership team and critic roles . 2024-02-13 . rdnewsnow.com . en.
    57. CourtEllingson . 1767271078941098351 . I'm thrilled to be Campaign Co-Chair for my friend @nenshi in our @albertaNDP leadership race! . 11 March 2024.
    58. News: January 16, 2024 . Potential contenders to replace Notley as Alberta NDP leader . January 16, 2024 . Western Standard.
    59. JanisIrwin . 1757075266810323388. What I hate most is that I feel like I'm letting some of you down. . 12 February 2024.
    60. 1750245531451052434 . SamirKayande . I wish to address some speculation. I will not be seeking the leadership of the Alberta NDP... . Jan 24, 2024.

    This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "2024 Alberta New Democratic Party leadership election".

    Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.