The New Democratic Party (NDP) leadership race is underway, but interest appears low as only one candidate has officially declared. Yves Engler, known for his controversial views, is the sole candidate so far. The leadership contest began at the start of the month and is set to conclude at the end of March next year.

Engler's platform includes calls to abolish capitalism, reduce economic growth, and revoke the Order of Canada awarded to former justice minister Irwin Cotler due to his support for Israel. Engler has gained attention for his confrontational style, often ambushing public figures with provocative questions. In a recent encounter, former immigration minister Marc Miller criticized Engler, stating, "This is all about you. There’s no substance. You’re a huckster and you know it."

Engler's tactics have drawn mixed reactions. During an April election, he confronted David Menzies of Rebel News, asking, "Do you support killing Palestinian children?" Menzies countered with a question about the events of October 7. Engler expressed frustration that left-wing media is not matching the provocative style of their right-wing counterparts, questioning, "How is someone like The Menzoid outdoing us?"

Engler aims to transition from a fringe candidate to a significant disruptor, similar to Zohran Mamdani's rise in New York's mayoral race, which was partly fueled by vocal criticism of Israel. Engler has been charged with intimidation and harassment related to a pro-Israeli social media personality, although some charges have been dropped.

His social media presence features a mix of radical propaganda and memes, including slogans like "Capitalism can’t be fixed" and imagery calling for violence against the Israel Defense Forces. Despite Engler's presence, more mainstream candidates are expected to enter the race.

Heather McPherson, the MP for Edmonton Strathcona, is reportedly gathering support to run. McPherson, who served as the NDP’s foreign affairs critic, has been an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights. She previously faced reprimand in the House for wearing a Palestinian lapel pin.

Avi Lewis, a broadcaster and two-time parliamentary candidate, is also considering a run. Lewis comes from a prominent NDP family, with his father and grandfather having held significant party positions. He is known for the 2015 Leap Manifesto, which proposed a shift to the left for the party, advocating for a moratorium on fossil fuel development and a commitment to clean energy by 2050.

As the NDP leadership race progresses, party members will have to choose between candidates with varying degrees of leftist ideology, from Engler's extreme views to more moderate positions represented by McPherson and Lewis.