New Democrats will choose their next leader in March after a seven-month campaign, the party announced Thursday.

"This is a crucial first step in what will be an important opportunity for New Democrats to come together, rebuild and elect our new leader," NDP president Mary Shortall said in a news release.

The campaign will officially begin in September with a vote "no later than March 29," the news release said. That date coincides with the NDP national convention in Winnipeg.

The party's federal council met Thursday to hammer out some of the rules to govern the leadership contest — which will include a $100,000 entry fee. The full guidelines for the race have yet to be finalized and will need to be discussed at another meeting.

Grassroots NDP group calls on party faithful to redirect

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