NDP leadership candidates discuss economy

The NDP leadership debates have officially begun. The first of six debates took place in Ottawa on Sunday.

Candidates were invited to talk about Canada’s economy. The debate was organized in groups of three for the nine candidates.

The ability to speak French of the candidates was tested as questions were made in both of Canada’s official languages.

Candidates represented ridings in 5 Canadian provinces. Thomas Mulcair and Romeo Saganash were the two MPs representing Quebec ridings. President of the NDP Brian Topp, Ottawa Centre MP Paul Dewar and Toronto’s Peggy Nash represented Ontario. Robert Chisholm, and Martin Singh were the candidates from the maritime province of Nova Scotia. And Niki Ashton was the only candidate to represent a prairie province. 

Nathan Cullen is the only one for leadership from the NDP stronghold of B.C.

The leadership convention is set for March 24.