NDP announces rules for leadership race

It won’t be long before the New Democratic Party has a new leader – just about a month, to be precise.

Two days after NDP Leader Gerry Rogers announced her resignation as leader, the party will find out who comes next on March 16.

Nominations will be accepted until March 1. A completed nomination package will have to be completed, including signatures from 20 members of the NDP. Of those 20, 10 signatures must come from people of marginalized genders, according to a party news release. Essentially, that means a nomination package can be half represented by men, while the other half must represent women and non-binary members of the NDP.

Along with a headshot and short biography, candidates must pay a non-refundable $1,000 fee in order to take part in the leadership race.

Those who wish to vote in the race will have to become a party member before March 10. Voting will take place online or via telephone until March 16.

Lawyer Kyle Rees will serve as chief electoral officer for the leadership race.

Rogers has previously stated she will stay on as leader of the party until a new leader is selected, meaning she’ll sit in the House of Assembly as leader when the legislature opens on March 4.

Economist and former leadership candidate Alison Coffin is the first person to come forward with her intention to seek the party leadership.

Premier Dwight Ball has indicated the provincial election will take place between April 1 and Nov. 25 of this year.