Yves Engler, an activist from Montreal known for his provocative actions, has been blocked from entering the federal NDP leadership contest. Engler expressed his desire for the party’s federal council to reverse a decision made by the leadership vote committee disqualifying him.
Lucy Watson, the NDP national president, emphasized the importance of candidates in the leadership race upholding values of integrity, honesty, and human rights respect. She stated that after a thorough review of Engler’s application, the leadership vote committee found him ineligible based on the standard criteria. Despite Engler’s appeal, an independent review committee upheld the disqualification decision.
Engler criticized the NDP’s rationale during a virtual news conference, labeling it as “sloppy” and suggesting that the party fears his participation. He argued that members, not committees, should determine candidacy eligibility.
The correspondence to Engler cited “credible evidence of harassment, intimidation, and physical confrontations” towards party members, staff, and volunteers as reasons for his disqualification. Allegations included following NDP members to private spaces and pressuring them for responses. Engler demanded specific evidence of the harassment claims and defended his social media activities as a form of “street journalism.”
Despite facing criminal charges for harassment and intimidation, Engler pledged to continue campaigning until the NDP leadership convention, promising to be a disruptive force if the decision stands. The NDP highlighted additional concerns, such as Engler’s involvement in Rwandan genocide denialism, promoting Russian propaganda on the Ukraine conflict, and expressing antisemitic sentiments.
Engler disputed the accusations, urging that members should decide on his suitability rather than relying on character attacks. The party also cited an ambiguous commitment to the NDP, referencing a post on the Bluesky platform under Engler’s name discussing affiliation with the Green Party, which Engler claimed was a case of impersonation.
Having raised approximately $110,000 for his campaign, Engler declared that the funds would support his ongoing efforts, offering refunds to donors upon request. The NDP is set to reveal its new leader on March 29 at the annual convention in Winnipeg.
