NDP Leadership Candidates Working on French Ahead of First Debate in Montreal

NDP Leadership Candidates (L-R), Tanille Johnston, Avi Lewis, Tony McQuail, Heather McPherson, Rob Ashton and President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Bea Bruske pose for a family photo ahead of the NDP Leadership forum in Ottawa, on Oct. 22, 2025. The Canadian Press/Spencer Colby

The NDP leadership contenders are working on their French language skills as they prepare to meet for their first debate on Nov. 27 in Montreal, expected to be held primarily in French.

The official candidates have varying degrees of French skills, but none have described themselves as fluently bilingual.