OTTAWA — The five candidates vying to lead the New Democratic Party (NDP) will gather in Montreal on Thursday evening for a significant debate. This event marks the first official debate in the party's leadership campaign and is seen as a vital opportunity for candidates to generate interest in a competitive race. NDP officials hope the debate will help rejuvenate the party's presence in Quebec, where its past success in 2011 is now a distant memory.

"Engaging Quebecers in this leadership race is essential to building a strong and united NDP," said Alexandre Boulerice, the party's only MP from Quebec. He emphasized the importance of connecting with members nationwide while acknowledging Quebec's critical role in the party's future.

Here are five key points to know before the debate:

**1. Language Breakdown** The debate will primarily be conducted in French, with a 60 percent French and 40 percent English ratio. Candidates will have the option to use earpieces that translate French into English. A party spokesperson confirmed that this option was made available after several candidates requested it. The language ratio will be strictly enforced, and candidates who respond in English during designated French segments will be interrupted by the moderator.

**2. Media Coverage Costs** Press members covering the debate will also need to pay for technical accommodations. Fees range from $100 for basic internet access to $2,000 for a comprehensive broadcast package, which includes a dedicated media space and refreshments.

**3. The Leading Candidates** Attention will focus on three frontrunners: Edmonton MP Heather McPherson, filmmaker Avi Lewis, and union leader Rob Ashton. A recent survey indicated that McPherson leads in name recognition at 20 percent, appealing particularly to white-collar workers and immigrants. Ashton resonates with blue-collar workers and those without university degrees. Pollara Chief Strategy Officer Dan Arnold noted that these early impressions are not definitive, stating, "I don’t think any of the candidates are well known, so it’s a chance for all of them to kind of introduce themselves to voters at this point."

**4. Controversial Comments** While the campaign has been relatively calm, McPherson stirred controversy by suggesting the party should ease its ideological purity tests during her campaign launch on September 28. Fellow NDP MP Leah Gazan expressed her disappointment, calling McPherson's comments dismissive of marginalized voices. Lewis also criticized McPherson's language, stating it should not mirror rhetoric used by the right. Tanille Johnston, another candidate, shared her concerns about McPherson's word choice and expressed a desire to discuss the matter directly with her.

**5. Potential Endorsements** Alexandre Boulerice will be a notable presence at the debate, opening the event with a welcome message. As the last remaining MP from the NDP's 2011 breakthrough in Quebec, Boulerice is viewed as a valuable endorser. He indicated that the debate could significantly influence his decision on which candidate to support.