OTTAWA — During the first debate of the NDP leadership campaign in Montreal, candidates acknowledged their need to enhance their French language skills. The debate was initially structured to have 60 percent conducted in French, but the majority was held in English.

Documentarian Avi Lewis and Alberta MP Heather McPherson were noted for speaking the most French. Other candidates, including union leader Rob Ashton, social worker Tanille Johnston, and organic farmer Tony McQuail, made efforts to incorporate French into their responses.

The debate covered several key topics, including strategies to regain support from the working class, advancing reconciliation efforts, addressing the cost of living crisis, and building a stronger presence in Quebec.

Candidates expressed a consensus that the party must improve its connection with workers and strengthen its grassroots base. However, each candidate presented their own unique approach to achieving these goals.

The NDP is set to elect its next leader on March 29 during the party's annual convention in Winnipeg.