The Alberta NDP set the rules and timelines of its leadership race contest on January 27, following the announcement on Tuesday, Jan. 16, that Rachel Notley is stepping down.

“The Alberta NDP Provincial Council has considered, debated, and passed the rules for the upcoming leadership race, which is their responsibility according to the Alberta NDP Constitution,” said Amanda Freistadt, Chief Returning Officer of the Alberta NDP Leadership Race.

The Application and Disclosure form for prospective leadership race contestants will be available from the party beginning Monday, January 29, 2024. The Leadership Race Contest will begin on February 5th, 2024, and it will conclude on the final day for voting, June 22, 2024, at 12 noon.

To vote in the leadership race, members must be in good standing by purchasing or renewing their membership by April 22, 2024. Membership is open to all Alberta residents aged 14 and older who support the Alberta NDP and want to help the party build a better future. To become a member, Albertans can go online to albertandp.ca/join

Freistadt said the Alberta NDP constitution requires a mail-in ballot as well as online voting, and the party will also provide a telephone option.

“We will announce the results at a special showcase on June 22, which will be a time for our party to gather to celebrate Rachel Notley’s legacy, and the renewed vision that will come with a new leader.”

“The Alberta NDP is a party rooted in the values of social justice, equity, and fairness,” said Freistadt. “When members join our party, they sign on to upholding those values and make a commitment to supporting our values.”

“Our leadership race will have a spending limit of $500,000 per leadership contestant. Unlike the UCP, which required over $175,000 in fees and deposits from candidates, our leadership race will require fees that total $60,000.”

“And unlike the UCP, our candidates will be united in building on Rachel Notley’s legacy and moving our party forward, because we are rooted in our values and principles, and we listen to Albertans, not extremist backers.”