Title: McPherson Stands Firm on "Purity Test" Comments

OTTAWA — NDP leadership candidate Heather McPherson is defending her assertion that party supporters should not have to pass an ideological "purity test." This comes after fellow NDP MP Leah Gazan expressed her disapproval of McPherson's choice of words.

In an interview, McPherson emphasized the importance of inclusivity within the party. "Listen, the idea of opening up our table, and making us a party that welcomes more people in, is the exact point of that," she stated. During her campaign launch in Edmonton, McPherson reiterated that the NDP must return to its foundational goal of supporting all Canadians. "We need to stop shrinking into some sort of purity test, we need to stop pushing people away and we need to invite people in," she said.

Gazan, representing Winnipeg, criticized McPherson's terminology, suggesting it could silence activists from marginalized communities. In a social media post, she expressed her disappointment, stating, "When I hear a leadership candidate suggest that you have to pass a ‘purity test’ to fit into the NDP, I am appalled and deeply disappointed." Gazan highlighted that such language often dismisses the demands for justice from marginalized groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, disabled, and immigrant workers.

Gazan, who identifies as having mixed Lakota, Chinese, and Jewish heritage, accused McPherson's rhetoric of being a subtle endorsement of white supremacy. She argued that rejecting "purity tests" does not broaden the movement but rather narrows it to those who have historically held power.

In response, McPherson maintained that there is no conflict between expanding the party's appeal and advocating for marginalized groups. "I honestly believe the vast majority of Canadians share (our) values of making sure everyone in our community, particularly those who are most vulnerable, are protected and taken care of," she said.

McPherson also stressed the need for the party to balance emotional and strategic messaging. "I love being a New Democrat, and I love that New Democrats want to fix all things, but we need to be disciplined in our messaging. We need to talk to Canadians where they are," she explained. She noted that many Canadians are currently concerned about job security.

While McPherson did not specify what she considers a "purity test" that may be hindering the NDP, she asserted that her commitment to human rights is evident. "I’ve been fighting for human rights my entire life … and I will never stop doing that work," she declared.

McPherson has been active in advocating for international issues, sponsoring a motion in March 2024 that called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and the recognition of a Palestinian state. She is one of three approved candidates for the NDP leadership, alongside filmmaker Avi Lewis and labor union leader Rob Ashton. Gazan has not yet announced her intentions regarding the leadership race.

Both McPherson and Gazan were among the few NDP MPs who retained their seats following a challenging federal election for the party. The new NDP leader will be announced during the party's national convention in Winnipeg on March 29, 2026.