My friends,
It is the honour of my life to serve as your new leader of the NDP.
First, I’d like to thank all of you and all of the amazing people that were a part of this historic campaign.
Together, we accomplished what many said was impossible. After our lowest electoral point, at a time where our opponents and mainstream media have been gleefully writing the NDP’s obituary – we’ve shown that the opposite is true. This party is roaring back to life.
Largest number of votes, biggest voter turnout percentage and most money raised in any NDP leadership race in history.
I want to also give my heartfelt thank you to the four other candidates and their campaign teams. You are all deeply committed New Democrats who’ve made unique and powerful contributions to this race.
Tanille, you’re a sensation and a rising star. You’ve redefined what politics in our party can look like – funny, honest, and rooted in Indigenous ways.
Tony, you have made sure that we never forget the importance of changing our undemocratic first-past-the-post system.
Rob, you’re the real deal. I can’t wait to see you walk into parliament in your work boots.
Workers will always be at the heart of the NDP - the one and only original workers’ party.
And Heather, you know how to win, you help others win, and you get things done in Ottawa.
Your leadership in the House denouncing the genocide in Gaza has been profoundly important.
To our amazing staff, our volunteers, donors and voters: We did it. This is your win, and the first of many.
Thank you for all the time you’ve put in. To the many who put their life on hold to make this campaign possible: you join the ranks of heroes throughout our party’s history who sacrifice deeply to build a better future for your families and your peers. To those of you who were able to donate to this campaign: you’ve been part of powering an unprecedented campaign that has revitalized the NDP. And to everybody who cast a ballot, whether it was for our campaign or one of the other four amazing candidates: Thank you for daring to hope at a time when it sometimes feels lost.
The greatest wins for people in Canadian history, whether provincially or federally, have been accomplished by New Democrats and the social and labour movements that our party is rooted in. We plan to keep these wins coming – as a united front against the wealthy special interest groups that have always worked to hoard wealth and power at the expense of everybody else.
I’ll be honest, it won’t be easy. When you truly challenge a rigged system designed for those at the top, they will fight back. But we’re ready for that fight, and ready to do it with joy, compassion and solidarity.
The NDP comeback has begun. I look forward to the next chapter with all of you.
Let’s get to work.
— Avi