Federal NDP gathers amid start to leadership race

The New Democratic caucus is meeting today for the first time since Jack Layton’s death.

The opposition party is gathered in Quebec City for two days to talk strategy leading up to the resumption of Parliament, as well as the leadership race.

Interim leader Nycole Turmel is expected to order any MPs running for the permanent position to give up their shadow cabinet posts.

So far, party president Brian Topp is the only official contender, although House Leader and Quebec MP Thomas Mulcair is expected to announce his candidacy.

Finance critic and Toronto MP Peggy Nash, Deputy leader and health critic Libby Davies, foreign affairs critic Paul Dewar, industry critic Peter Julian, and environment critic Megan Leslie may also run for the job.