NDPers pick a leader in March. Here's what you need to know

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ABOVE THE FOLD

THE RACE TO REPLACE HORWATH IS ON — Card-carrying New Democrats pick their next leader during the first week of March 2023.

The party’s provincial council laid out the rules for the leadership contest following a Friday meeting, saying wannabe candidates have to register by early December.

The cost of entry: Leadership hopefuls will have to submit 100 signatures, of which half need to be from women and 25 per cent from equity-seeking groups, such as Black, Indigenous and racialized party members. At least 20 signatures must come from folks who live in at least four of six geographic regions.

Big spenders: Each leadership campaign can spend up to $900,000. The registration fee is $5,000 upon signing up, then another $50,000 paid in instalments. The party pointed out that “this figure is expected to be fundraised from supporters, and is substantially lower than the approximately $100,000 registration fee for the most recent Ontario Liberal Party and Ontario PC Party leader…