OTTAWA — The first fundraising deadline for the NDP leadership race arrived on Friday, and two candidates may struggle to meet the requirements. Tanille Johnston, a city councillor from Campbell River, B.C., is optimistic about reaching the $25,000 payment needed to continue her campaign. A spokesperson for Johnston stated, "It’s no small feat asking our working-class base to help hit a $100,000 target to get Tanille on the ballot. But momentum is building and we’re growing our grassroots support every day, and I’m glad to say that we’ll most likely make our first paywall target tomorrow."

Johnston's campaign is actively promoting appearances scheduled for Friday night and Saturday on social media. Meanwhile, Tony McQuail, an organic farmer from Ontario, reported that while his campaign has sufficient funds, it lacks the necessary regional signatures to meet the required thresholds. He explained, "Because of a slow start up to our email system, what we are currently short of is the National Distribution of our Nomination Signatures."

Candidates must gather 500 signatures from party members, including at least 50 from each of five regions: Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, B.C., and the North. A party official confirmed that the deadline for obtaining these signatures is November 14. McQuail mentioned that he has collected many signatures from Ontario and has enough to meet the target for signatures from party members aged 25 and under, women, and those from what the party calls "equity-seeking groups," which include LGBTQ+, Indigenous, racialized individuals, and people with disabilities.

The first of four $25,000 payments was due when candidates submitted their nomination signature packages. Campaigns for Avi Lewis, Heather McPherson, and Rob Ashton have confirmed that they have made the latest leadership payment. A spokesperson for Lewis reported that the campaign has raised $255,000 from over 1,500 donors. Financial returns for the NDP's third quarter indicate that McPherson raised nearly $100,000 by September 30. An Ashton campaign spokesperson noted that "momentum continues to build" for his candidacy.

The NDP leadership candidates are set to participate in a predominantly French debate in Montreal on November 27.

This report was first published on November 14, 2025.