A Vancouver Island woman, currently serving on Campbell River’s city council, has announced her candidacy in the leadership race for Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP).
Tanille Johnston has launched her campaign to lead the NDP, and is officially the first Indigenous woman to seek the position.
She is a member of the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Peoples from the WeWaiKai First Nation, and was born and raised in Campbell River where she now lives with her husband, two daughters and two dogs.
Johnston was voted onto Campbell River’s city council in 2022, and before that worked as a social worker for over 14 years.
Additionally, Johnston ran in the last federal election in the North Island—Powell River electoral district, but was defeated by the Conservative’s Aaron Gunn by around 5,000 votes.
Johnston says she hopes to offer a bold, fresh vision to unite the party, to re-energize its grassroots, and inspire Canadians nationwide.
“This race is about renewal,” said Johnston.
“I’m ready to bring fresh energy and real progressive change to this party and to Canada. Together, we’ll build a better future — and I’m ready to lead us there.”
Throughout her career, Johnston has prioritized social equity and Indigenous rights, which is reflected in her campaign foundations. She wishes to follow in the footsteps of NDP leaders before her and break from the status-quo, prioritizing authenticity, integrity, inclusion and inspiration.
“While we may be making history, the focus is on shaping our collective future,” she said.
“We are building a movement that is ready to fight and win for not only working families but for all Canadians.”
In addition to her work as a councillor and social worker, Johnston is a UVic alumni, who previously served on the university’s Native Student Union, the School of Social Works’ Equity Advisory Council, the UVIC Student Society Board of Directors and the University of Victoria’s Senate.
When not focussing on politics, Johnston says she loves cycling, playing volleyball, hiking and being in nature.
There are four others who have already announced their own bids for the NDP’s leadership thus far: Heather McPherson, Avi Lewis, Yves Engler and Rob Ashton.
Lewis has run in the last two federal elections as an NDP candidate in Vancouver and has lost both times. However, he has deep ties to the party, as his grandfather was a co-founder of the party, leading the party from 1971 to 1975 and his father led the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978.
McPherson has been an MP in Edmonton since 2019 and is the only candidate in the leadership race who currently holds a seat in the House of Commons.
She is one of only seven successful NDP candidates who won their ridings in the 2025 federal election.
Furthermore, Engler is a Montreal-based author and political activist and Ashton is a BC union president.
To learn more about the approved candidates, click here.
The NDP will select its next leader following a vote at the Winnipeg Convention held from March 27th to 29th, 2026. To vote in the leadership race, party membership is required.
