The federal NDP 2026 convention opened on Friday, March 27 in Winnipeg with an opening address from Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, who received a rockstar’s welcome from a packed convention.
In his speech, Kinew lauded what his provincial NDP government was able to achieve including strong anti-scab legislation, strengthening relationships with First Nations, showing solidarity with the Palestinians of Gaza, and more.
He also took pointed shots at US president Donald Trump and his war with Iran.
“Not a single Canadian should be put in harms way to defend Donald Trump’s foolish Iranian War. No American either,” he said. “No child from the blue collar or middle class should die in this war. Let the Epstein class fight the Epstein War.”
Kinew’s opening speech was followed up by an speech from Winnipeg-Centre federal NDP MP Leah Gazan. Gazan made the case that the federal NDP was the only party that would protect the rights of workers.
“Our federal government is violating our constitution, violating our Charter and violating our rights,” said Gazan, referring to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push to develop so-called “nation building projects” at the expense of the rights of First Nation’s and the federal government’s use of Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to end labour disputes.
Bruske gives sobering wake up call
Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) talked about labour’s role in the formation of the NDP, but also critiqued the results of the last federal election.
The last federal election saw the NDP lose official party status and go down to just seven seats in the House of Commons. Bruske noted how the Conservative Party managed to attract the support of some workers.
“Our last election was a wake up call. In far too many ridings, Conservatives made in roads with workers,” Bruske said. “They found someone was speaking with them in a meaningful way, but it was false, it was cynical, but it was really direct but it worked.”
She said that it was crucial for the NDP’s revival to focus on effectively speaking to economic issues.
“We need to meet people where they are at. We need to address their immediate economic concerns. That has to be our priority number one,” Bruske said. “We cannot accomplish any of the really important things we are going to be debating at this convention this weekend if we don’t get this right.”
Bruske called on the convention to put an end arguing within the movement on social media.
“Are we prepared to leave the social media debating club and actually talk to people about their progressive values in this country,” said Bruske. “Are we prepared to show workers that we have their back across this country.”
“The one thing Pierre Poilievre is never going to admit it is the New Democratic Party that is the party of raising wages, protecting workers, and improving outcomes across this country,” she added.
Bruske pointed to the successes of the federal party in recent years, including securing important social programs like pharmacare, dental care, child care, and protections for workers like federal anti-scab legislation.
“Working class Canadians are facing major head winds and that is why we need the federal NDP back on its feet,” she said.
The NDP convention will continue until Sunday, March 29. On that day the party will announce the results of its leadership race.
