NDP policy convention kicks off in Hamilton on Friday

New Democrats are gathering in Hamilton on Friday for a three-day policy convention that is expected to focus on humanitarian efforts in the war between Israel and Hamas, affordability issues, and persuading voters.

The convention is taking place from October 13 to 15 and will bring NDP members together in person for the first time in more than three years.

It will feature speakers such as Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, British Columbia Premier David Eby, and Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath.

United States Senator Bernie Sanders will also be sharing a special message with the party in a pre-recorded video.

READ MORE: NDP MPP Sarah Jama apologizes following Israel-Hamas war post

There were 350 policy proposals submitted in preparation, a number which was then cut down to 60 “prioritized resolutions” by Oct. 4, just three days before the Hamas attack.

Reports say New Democrats attending the convention will discuss cost-of-living policies on Friday afternoon.

The convention is happening over a year and a half after the NDP entered into a confidence-and-supply agreement with the Liberals.

The deal sees the NDP support the Liberals on key votes in the minority Parliament in order to get action on some NDP priorities.

READ MORE: Escalating violence draws concerns of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Some NDP priorities in the deal include dental-care benefits for children in low-income households, one-time rental supplements for low-income tenants, and a temporary doubling of the GST rebate, many affordability measures that the Liberals have raised in the past year.

Also at the convention, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh will face his first leadership review since the 2021 election.

Last-minute additions to the NDP’s resolution list also include Saskatchewan’s policy on gender rights in schools and investigations into India and potential war criminals in Canada.