General Meeting for Ontario NDP Convention 2025
In January, New Democrats from across Ontario will be gathering in Toronto for the Ontario NDP’s Convention 2025. Convention 2025 will take place from January 17-19, 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
In order to discuss and vote on policy resolutions, and to elect delegates to Convention 2025, a General Meeting of the Parkdale—High Park Provincial NDP has been called for October 21, 2024 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. This meeting will take place online via Zoom. The link and meeting materials will be sent once you RSVP and your membership is confirmed.
- Interested in attending Convention 2025 as a delegate? Nominate yourself or someone you know here, and see below for more information.
- Interested in submitting a policy resolution to Convention 2025? Learn more below.
This year, Convention is happening from January 17-19, 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Riding associations from across Ontario can elect delegates to represent them at Convention.
What happens at Convention?
Ontario NDP will release a full, detailed agenda closer to Convention, but it will include:
- discussion and adoption of policy resolutions;
- training sessions to improve our skills as activists ahead of the election;
- election of Ontario NDP Provincial Executive;
- reports from various Executives, committees, and bodies; and
- vote on whether or not to conduct a leadership review.
What accessibility measures will be at Convention?
The Ontario NDP is committed to providing a barrier-free Convention. The Metro Toronto Convention Center is fully wheelchair accessible. Accessibility measures will include, but are not limited to the following: simultaneous French interpretation, closed captioning, assistive hearing devices, mobility devices, large print documents, encouraged use of masks, a quiet space, a prayer room, accessible hotel rooms, a charging station in the main plenary, and an on-site nurse’s office. Delegates will have the opportunity to express their accessibility needs during the registration process, but are welcome to reach out with questions and concerns to [email protected]. If you require ASL/LSQ services, please let us know as soon as possible.
Is there an option to attend Convention virtually?
A limited virtual participation option will be available for the 2025 Convention. Virtual attendees will be able to watch and listen to proceedings in the main plenary, vote via an online platform, and participate in debate. As this is a pilot project, we will be using a variety of new technologies and procedures with the goal of a seamlessly integrated Convention for both in-person and virtual delegates, but there is always a possibility of technological difficulties. To ensure the smoothest possible experience, we encourage delegates who are able to attend in person. The fee structure will be the same for in-person and virtual delegates and you can register normally. Stay tuned for more information, and contact [email protected] with any questions.
How can I attend Convention?
Ontario NDP members in Parkdale—High Park will elect Delegates to represent us at Convention at our virtual general membership meeting on October 21, 2024 at 7:00pm.
For Convention 2025, Parkdale—High Park has 21 delegate spots for general members.
BIPOC, persons living with disabilities, youth, Franco-Ontarians, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities are highly encouraged to attend as Delegates, and the Parkdale—High Park is committed to ensuring our delegation reflects the diversity of our riding and to ensure a variety of voices are representing us. At least 50% of our Delegates must be women, trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals.
If you are interested in attending Convention, please nominate yourself using this form.
Delegate nominations will also be accepted from the floor at the general membership meeting.
If you would like to attend Convention, but cannot attend the local meeting on October 21, please indicate your interest using this form and someone will nominate you.
If you have questions about your membership status, please email [email protected].
What are the Convention fees?
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Earlybird: $325 (until December 1)
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Regular: $375
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*Reduced: $50
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Alternate or NDP member observer: $100
*reduced fee applies to youth (under 26), seniors (over 65), and the under- or un-employed (typically defined as those who did not pay income tax for 2023, self reported).
Convention fees are eligible for a tax receipt and credit of up to 75%. Paid fees also count towards your donation limit for 2024 or 2025 (depending on when your fees are paid).
The Parkdale—High Park NDP believes that cost should not be a barrier to attending Convention, and offers financial assistance to elected Convention Delegates who would not otherwise be able to attend. For questions or requests, please contact Jason Wagar, Riding President, in confidence at [email protected].
If I’m an elected Delegate, how will I register?
All Delegates elected on October 21, 2024 will later receive a unique code ("EasyCode") by email from the Ontario NDP that will allow you to register for the Convention.
Once registration opens, and you have been assigned your EasyCode, you will be able to submit fee payments online. Full payment must be received before delegates can register on-site at the Convention Center. Individual delegates must attend in person to be officially registered at Convention, and to receive their Convention kits. Please bring payment or confirmation of payment, identification and your Convention 2025 EasyCode.
Is there a Convention hotel?
If you wish to stay at the Convention hotel, delegates are responsible for their own accommodation booking and payment. The Convention rate at the Intercontinental is $299.00 per night plus taxes for single or double room rate. These rates are applicable until December 18th, 2024. This hotel is non- smoking. Arrangements can be made through WE Union Travel.
Is there childcare available during Convention?
A stimulating weekend of age-appropriate games and outings, supervised by experienced professionals, is available for children. Care will be available free of charge to Council delegates on Friday morning, and to Convention delegates on Friday afternoon and evening, on Saturday during the day and on Sunday
until Convention adjourns. Lunches and snacks will be provided. Please email [email protected] by December 18th, 2024 with the full names and ages of the children requiring care. You will be provided with a form to fill out your child’s details and needs. While we will make every effort to accommodate childcare needs, childcare spaces cannot be guaranteed after December 18th.
What is a resolution?
Resolutions can:
- add, amend, or delete items from Ontario NDP policy,
- amend the Party’s Constitution, or
- have the Party make a statement on an ongoing issue.
The current provincial policy book is available here.
Resolutions should not be more than 200 words. When submitting one, please also include:
- your name
- a title
- a list of which resolutions/policies it replaces or changes (if any).
How can I submit a resolution for consideration?
Before resolutions can be submitted for consideration at the Convention in January, they must be passed by our local riding association at our general membership meeting.
If you wish to submit a resolution, it must be submitted to [email protected] no later than October 14, 2024 at 7:00 pm. Include the word 'Resolution' in the subject line of your email submission.
What resolutions will be discussed at our local meeting on October 21?
We will compile resolutions and circulate them ahead of our meeting on October 21. The meeting Chair may combine similar motions and propose an agenda to set the order with which they will be considered at the meeting on October 21.
If you have any other questions, please email [email protected].