Yves Engler, an activist based in Montreal known for stirring up controversy, has been blocked from entering the federal NDP leadership contest.
In a statement released on Wednesday morning, Engler expressed his desire for the party’s federal council to overturn the decision made by the leadership vote committee disqualifying him from the race.
Lucy Watson, the NDP national president, emphasized the importance of candidates in the leadership race upholding values such as integrity, honesty, and respect for human rights. She stated that after a thorough review of Engler’s application, the leadership vote committee found that he did not meet the eligibility criteria applicable to all applicants. Despite Engler’s request for a review, an independent committee upheld the disqualification decision.
During a virtual news conference, Engler criticized the NDP’s rationale as “careless” and suggested that the party is fearful of his participation in the race. He asserted that the decision on who can run should ultimately rest with the party members.
The correspondence from the NDP to Engler cited “credible evidence of harassment, intimidation, and physical confrontations” with party members, staff, and volunteers as reasons for his disqualification. Allegations included following NDP members to private locations and vehicles, pressuring them to answer his inquiries.
Engler challenged the party to present specific evidence supporting the harassment claims and defended his actions on social media as a form of “street journalism” rather than harassment. He expressed disappointment in the NDP’s decision and maintained transparency regarding his online activities.
Engler pledged to persist in his campaign despite the setback and vowed to be a disruptive force leading up to the NDP leadership convention. The party’s decision cited additional concerns, including Engler’s alleged engagement in Rwandan genocide denialism, promotion of Russian propaganda on the Ukraine conflict, and remarks deemed as echoing antisemitic sentiments.
Engler called for the party to allow the members to judge the validity of the accusations leveled against him. He emphasized that the members should determine whether the allegations were legitimate or mere character attacks.
The NDP’s reasons for disqualifying Engler also highlighted doubts about his commitment to the party, referencing a post on the Bluesky social media platform under Engler’s name discussing a potential run for the Green Party. Engler refuted this claim, stating that the account was a fraudulent impersonation.
Having raised approximately $110,000 for his campaign, Engler asserted that the funds would be utilized to further his efforts. He assured donors that they could request a refund if desired.
The new leader of the NDP will be unveiled on March 29 during the party’s annual convention in Winnipeg.