Title: NDP Criticizes Engler for Misleading Leadership Campaign Claims

OTTAWA — The New Democratic Party (NDP) has accused activist Yves Engler of misleading supporters and the media regarding his unsanctioned leadership campaign. Éric Hébert-Daly, the NDP’s chief electoral officer for the leadership race, expressed serious concerns about Engler's communication with the press about his campaign status.

Hébert-Daly stated, "It has recently come to my attention that Mr. Yves Engler has been sharing with the media that he has not yet been approved by the Leadership Review Committee to stand as an official leadership candidate. I would like to clarify that we are not in receipt of an application from Mr. Engler, and as such, he has no current standing within the leadership contest."

He emphasized that while the party has not disclosed candidacy statuses to respect privacy, misleading statements about approval status are unacceptable. To prevent confusion, Hébert-Daly noted that Engler and others exploring a leadership bid have been "strongly advised" to wait for official approval before accepting campaign contributions or making public statements.

According to Hébert-Daly, accepting donations before receiving approval violates the leadership race rules, which mandate that all contributions be processed through the party. Engler, however, claimed he is adhering to NDP and Elections Canada regulations. He stated he expects to participate in the first official leadership debate in November and has raised over $80,000, which he believes will cover the $100,000 entrance fee. He also mentioned that he has collected more than twice the required 500 signatures, meeting all necessary criteria.

In a follow-up email, Engler indicated he has until January to submit his nomination papers and will do so at the most opportune time. He also plans to attend a candidates forum hosted by the Canadian Labour Congress later this month.

As of now, three candidates have officially entered the race: Edmonton MP Heather McPherson, filmmaker Avi Lewis, and labor leader Rob Ashton. Engler, who describes himself as a social agitator, is running on a platform that includes anti-capitalism and degrowth. Recently, he used social media to post fake endorsements of his policies from historical socialist figures, including J.S. Woodsworth and Tommy Douglas.

McPherson commented on Engler's candidacy, stating, "Mr. Engler can do what he does. I fundamentally disagree with him on a number of issues, but that’s neither here nor there. He can put his offer forward."

Matthew McKenna, a spokesperson for Elections Canada, clarified that it is not illegal for Engler to raise funds before his candidacy is approved by the NDP. He noted, "There’s nothing in the Canada Elections Act that prevents any individual from raising money for any reason," but cautioned that Engler could face legal penalties for incorrectly reporting contributions on his tax returns.

Engler's donation page indicates that contributions are not tax-deductible and requires donors to confirm they are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.