New Democratic Party leadership election, 2003

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NDP leadership convention, 2003
Image:ndp2000.gif
Date January 24, 2003
Location Toronto, Ontario
Campaign to replace Alexa McDonough
Won by Jack Layton
Candidates 6
Entrance Fee
Spending limit
New Democratic Party leadership conventions

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The New Democratic Party leadership election of 2003 was held in order to replace New Democratic Party of Canada leader Alexa McDonough, on account of her retirement. It ended on January 25, 2003, with the first ballot victory of popular Toronto city councillor Jack Layton.

The leadership race was the first to be conducted under the NDP's new partial one member, one vote system, in which the popular vote of the members is weighted for 75% of the result. The rest are votes cast by delegates for affiliated organizations (mainly labour unions). It was also the first Canadian leadership convention to allow Internet voting; delegates who chose to vote electronically were given a password to a secure website to register their votes.

The race was heated, with the leaders campaigning to NDP audiences across Canada. One of the most notable events of the campaign occurred at the convention in Toronto, the day before the election, when candidate Pierre Ducasse made a stirring speech. [1] Ducasse's speech attracted widespread praise, [2] [3] although its late delivery was unable to sway the postal and internet votes which had already been cast.

Contents

[edit] Candidates

[edit] Jack Layton

Jack Layton was the Toronto City Councillor for Ward 30 at the time of the election, as well as vice chair of Toronto Hydro and head of the Green Catalyst Group Inc. Having had run and lost in both the 1993 federal election and the 1997 federal election, Layton campaigned on the issues of violence, homelessness, affordable housing, and the natural environment.

  • Supporters: Ed Broadbent
  • Date campaign launched: July 22, 2002

[edit] Bill Blaikie

Enlarge

At the time of the election, Bill Blaikie was the MP for Winnipeg-Transcona, as well as the NDP House leader and the critic on intergovernmental affairs, justice, the Solicitor General, and parliamentary reform. Having been a Member of Parliament for over 20 years, Blaikie campaigned on trade, Medicare, taxes and the environment.

  • Supporters: 6 in caucus, plus Howard Hampton
  • Date campaign launched: June 17, 2002

[edit] Lorne Nystrom

Lorne Nystrom was the MP for Regina—Qu'Appelle at the time of the election, and was the NDP critic of economic policy, finance, banks, national revenue, public accounts, Crown corporations and electoral reform. Through his 29 years in Parliament, it was the third time he had run for leader. Nystrom campaigned mainly on the issue of electoral change.

  • Supporters:
  • Date campaign launched: July 31, 2002

[edit] Joe Comartin

Joe Comartin was the MP for Windsor—St. Clair and the environment critic at the time of the election.

[edit] Pierre Ducasse

Pierre Ducasse was the Associate President of the NDP at the time of the election.

[edit] Bev Meslo

Bev Meslo was the representative of the NDP Socialist Caucus in this leadership election.

[edit] Results

[edit] Timeline

Jack Layton addresses the 2003 NDP convention in Toronto, where he was elected leader
Enlarge
Jack Layton addresses the 2003 NDP convention in Toronto, where he was elected leader

[edit] 2002

  • June 5: Alexa McDonough announces she will step down as leader.
  • July 5 - 7: The NDP Federal Council convenes.
  • June 6: The leadership race begins.
  • June 17: Bill Blaikie declares his candidacy.
  • June 25: Pierre Ducasse declares his candidacy.
  • July 22: Jack Layton declares his candidacy.
  • July 30: Bev Meslo declares her candidacy.
  • July 31: Lorne Nystrom declares his candidacy.
  • August 13: Joe Comartin declares his candidacy.
  • November 26: Final day for candidates to declare candidacy.
  • December 10: Last day to become an NDP member who can vote.

[edit] 2003

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