Who Are the Potential Candidates to Replace Notley as Alberta NDP Leader?

Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley speaks at a news conference in Calgary on March 15, 2021. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)

The Alberta NDP is preparing for a leadership race following the Jan. 16 announcement by current leader and former premier Rachel Notley that she will be stepping down once a replacement can be found.

While the details of who can enter the race are still being worked out, Mount Royal University political science professor Keith Brownsey says there could be some surprises.

“A lot of people are having a kick at the tires right now,” he told The Epoch Times. “It’s going to be a tough job. They’ve got a tough act to follow.”

University of Calgary professor Melanee Thomas said there may also be people who run as a political manoeuvre.

“In every contest, there’s somebody who’s running because they know that they’re probably not going to win or they’re certainly not going to win, but they’re using it to try to angle for a different kind of position in the backroom or within the party,” she said. “This happens every time that we see a leadership contest.”

According to Mr. Brownsey, some of the NDP MLAs who may take a run at leading the province’s opposition party include Kathleen Ganley, Rakhi Pancholi, Christina Gray, Shannon Phillips, and David Shepherd. As well, speculation is rife that Sarah Hoffman, who is deputy leader, may throw her hat in the race. And others have pointed to former Progressive Conservative Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk, who endorsed the NDP in the last election, as well as former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, as potential candidates.

Sarah Hoffman

Ms. Hoffman was a high-profile cabinet minister during the NDP government of 2015–2019, serving as deputy premier and holding the health portfolio. She is currently deputy leader of the NDP and critic for municipal affairs.

Kathleen Ganley

Current NDP critic for energy and climate, Ms. Ganley served as the province’s justice minister and solicitor general from 2015 to 2019. Previously, she worked at a private law firm focusing on labour, employment, and human rights. “She’s well known in Calgary,” Mr. Brownsey said. “She represents Calgary and that’s certainly an advantage.”

Rakhi Pancholi

Holding the position of critic of education for the official opposition, Ms. Pancholi was first elected in May 2023. With a background in law, she has experience in education, labour, and employment issues. She also served as critic for children’s services.

Christina Gray

Current House Leader Ms. Gray is another potential candidate for the leadership position. Since her election in 2015, Ms. Gray has held ministerial positions including minister responsible for Democratic Renewal, and minister for Labour. She has also been the critic for labour and immigration for the official opposition.

Shannon Phillips

Ms. Phillips held ministry positions when the NDP was in power from 2015–2019. She has been the minister of Environment and Parks and the minister responsible for the Status of Women. She has been the deputy House leader, critic for finance, treasury board, and finance, and is currently the critic for finance (insurance and pensions).

David Shepherd

Mr. Shepherd is serving his third consecutive term in office and has held the role of critic for health. Prior to getting involved in politics, Mr. Shepherd was in communications.

Thomas Lukaszuk

Mr. Lukaszuk supported Ms. Notley in the last election. While he has not indicated if he will run, he has been thanking those who are encouraging him to consider it.

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“I will definitely assist a candidate who has an uplifting vision and plan for tomorrow in Alberta,” Mr. Lukaszuk responded to a post on X that asked if he would run.

Naheed Nenshi

Mr. Nenshi, Calgary’s former mayor, may also throw his hat in the ring, Mr. Brownsey said. “If he were to enter the race he comes with a very high profile, very well thought of, and a lot of governing experience.”

Mr. Nenshi served as Calgary’s mayor from 2010–2021 and has a background in business and consulting.

Timing

Mr. Brownsey said it could be many months before a successor is found.

“I expect Ms. Notley to stay on through the session, and then have a leadership race in the summer or early fall.”

Ms. Thomas said the race also presents an opportunity to grow the NDP in the province. 

“The goal for every party that’s engaging in some kind of leadership contest process is that they want to be able to maximize it as a membership drive,“ she said. ”We know from research going [back] decades in Canada that most of the time when people join parties they’re joining up for leadership contests.”

She noted that the NDP has not yet defined the rules of the race. 

“Each party is going to be different in terms of how they actually set up the rules,” she said, adding that the NDP will likely use the same process as when Ms. Notley became leader in 2014.

Ms. Thomas also said the timing of the leadership change presents an advantage to the ultimate winner. 

“Whoever gets to be the Alberta NDP leader actually gets to have enough time before the next election day to try to showcase the party through the lens of them as leader.”