A New Era for the New Democrats
Back in 2014 when Rachel Notley gave her leadership victory speech to a crowd at the Sutton Place Hotel in Edmonton, she did so after earning an astounding 70 per cent of the popular vote. She earned the vast majority of the 3,589 votes cast during that contest, defeating MLAs David Eggen (28 per cent) and Rod Loyola (2 per cent).
When she spoke to NDP members, she spoke of the future she believed in for our politics. "Politics should be about hope. It should be about optimism. And it should be about the wherewithal to build something better." There is no question that she inspired a whole new generation of New Democrats and grew the progressive movement in Alberta to be stronger than many ever thought possible.
Fast forward one decade to June 22, 2024 – a day that will forever mark the start of a new era for the Alberta NDP.
Following months and months of campaigning, the official opposition has grown beyond what many in the Sutton Place Hotel would have thought possible back in 2014. This time at the Hyatt Regency in Calgary, it was revealed that 72,930 Alberta NDP members cast a ballot in the latest leadership race that saw Naheed Nenshi emerge with a dominant total of 86 per cent of the vote.
Naheed Nenshi- 62,746
Kathleen Ganley- 5,899
Sarah Hoffman- 3,063
Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse- 1,222
Like Rachel Notley in 2014, Nenshi used the moment to rally party members behind the idea that politics can bring about positive change.
“There is room for service in our hearts, in our hands, in our minds, and especially in our voices. And we will use those voices to fight for the Alberta that we want, the Alberta we need, and the Alberta that future generations deserve.”
What Comes Next?
First, Nenshi will need to win a byelection to earn a seat in the Alberta Legislature. During his post-victory press conference, he told reporters that he is not in a rush to get into the Assembly, though he did indicate he would be in the gallery when possible. Instead, he’s said that his focus is engaging with Albertans across the province.
Many have speculated that he could end up in the Legislature sooner than later with MLA for Lethbridge-West Shannon Phillips resigning her seat effective Canada Day 2024. However, Nenshi has already suggested that it is highly unlikely he runs there as he hopes to be more present in whatever constituency he will call home. This means that he will likely run in a Calgary seat whenever one becomes available.
At this time, there have been no hints given about what seat may become available for the new leader.
Politically, the leadership race ended at the perfect time for the official opposition. This week, Canada’s political class will descend upon Calgary for this year’s Stampede – which means that there will be many hands for Nenshi to shake. The Alberta NDP will be hosting three Stampede breakfasts across the city due in large part to the high demand to meet with the new leader.
New Leader Means New Party Leadership Team
Just days after being elected as the new party leader, the former Calgary mayor held a media availability to introduce two key members of his leadership team. First, Nenshi introduced Edmonton-Mill Woods MLA Christina Gray as the new Leader of the Official Opposition.
This may sound odd given that the party leader of the opposition party generally holds this title; however, Nensi does not have a seat in the Legislature. Therefore, someone else must hold the office until he can win a byelection.
MLA Gray has a long history with the Alberta NDP including as the Minister of Labour from 2016-2019. She is currently the opposition house leader and will continue in that position along with her newly assigned title. Many in the party have applauded the decision as she is well respected and liked on both sides of the aisle and is one of the most knowledgeable NDP members when it comes to legislative process and functionality. She had also remained neutral during the leadership race, electing not to endorse any candidate.
The other major appointment by Nenshi came in his choice for Deputy Leader of the Alberta NDP. Edmonton-Whitemud MLA and former leadership candidate Rakhi Pancholi was named as Nenshi’s second in command. After she exited the leadership contest, she was named as the executive chair for Nenshi’s campaign team.
During the media availability, Nenshi lauded Pancholi in explaining why she was his choice.
“Ever since I have met Rakhi, I have said that she has a secret sauce that is so rare in politics – which is Rakhi can go in any room and she can talk to people about what matters to them. She listens, she understands, and she is able to help people understand there is an alternative and a better government. And man, oh man, I’m going to use that to the best advantage of the province and of the party.”
On social media, MLA Pancholi shared her excitement and optimism about her new position.
“Together we will travel this province meeting Albertans where they are, listening to their stories, and making sure we reflect their priorities and aspirations for our province!”
Things To Watch
Of course, anytime a party experiences a change in leadership, one can (and should) expect the party to go a different direction on any number of items. For Nenshi, one of the key themes to watch will be the relationship between the provincial and federal NDP.
Throughout the leadership race, the question of the Alberta NDP’s constitutional connection to its federal counterpart was raised a number of times. While Nenshi has repeatedly said that it will ultimately be up to the party membership to decide, he has been transparent about his own opinions.
“I believe that our ties to the federal NDP are remnants of a party that wasn’t confident, a party that wasn’t grown up yet, that relied on big brother to look after us. Now this party is confident, and a modern force and I don’t think we need that anymore. The costs of allying with people who we don’t control, whose values and ethics may not line up with us, greatly outweigh the benefits.”
Additionally, it will be important to pay attention to how the UCP responds to Nenshi’s election as leader. They have already launched a series of video advertisements designed to define him to Albertans and swing voters, but Nenshi brushed off the attacks with a video of his own on social media. Of course, this is expected to only be the first of many jostling between the two sides in their bid to form the next government.
To no one’s surprise, the campaign for the 2027 election has already begun.
