NDP leadership candidates working on French ahead of first debate in Montreal

By Canadian Press on October 26, 2025.

OTTAWA — The NDP leadership contenders are working on their French language skills as they prepare to meet for their first debate on Nov. 27 in Montreal.

The official candidates have varying degrees of French language skills, but none have described themselves as fluently bilingual.

However, there is acknowledgment across the field in strengthening their own French language skills in order to lead a national party in a country with two official languages.

The candidates are documentarian Avi Lewis, Alberta MP Heather McPherson, union leader Rob Ashton, social worker Tanille Johnston and organic farmer Tony McQuail.

During the NDP leadership forum last Wednesday, Lewis did respond to the first question in French but a campaign spokesperson described his language level as “not full bilingual.”

Former NDP strategist Karl Belanger says that the next party leader could face challenges building support in Quebec without strong French language skills.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 26, 2025

David Baxter, The Canadian Press

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