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Publication Date: February 19, 2026 - 17:39

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NDP leadership hopefuls square off in English-language B.C. debate

February 19, 2026

The five contenders to lead the NDP will square off in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland on Thursday evening for the second of two official leadership debates.

Tonight’s English-language debate should be a more bruising affair than November’s French debate in Montreal , as it will be one of the last big chances candidates have to make an impression on party members before voting starts in March. Perceived frontrunner Avi Lewis will likely bear the brunt of the slings and arrows.

Edmonton MP Heather McPherson and union leader Rob Ashton are still in the thick of what’s widely seen as a three-way race and will both be looking to make their mark. Also on stage will be social worker Tanille Johnston, the first Indigenous woman to run for party leader, and organic farmer Tony McQuail.

Three of the five candidates — Lewis, Ashton and Johnston — will be playing to a home crowd as British Columbians. B.C. is also the closest thing the NDP has left to a strong hold, being home to three of the party’s seven remaining MPs.

The debate’s moderator will be veteran broadcast journalist Hannah Thibedeau, currently a communications consultant Global Public Affairs. There will be no live in-studio audience.

The debate kicks off at 8 p.m. ET.

More to come.

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