Cheri DiNovo an 'unofficial' candidate for federal NDP leadership

Toronto MPP Cheri DiNovo is declaring herself an "unofficial candidate" for the leadership of the federal New Democrats, rejectingthe party's rules for entering the top contest.

The rules for candidates include a $30,000 registration fee and a spending limit of$1.5 million.The party will take a 25 per cent "administration fee" to belevied on all donations to the candidates.

"I just feel,in principle,that's wrong that for the leadership of a democratic, socialist party, it shouldn't be about the money,"DiNovo said Tuesday morning in Toronto."It shouldn't be about how much money you can raise to buy buttons and bobbles to promote yourself. It should be about principles."

"I'm running for principles, not for a position."

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New Democrats will choose a new leader in 2017;NDP leader Tom Mulcair lost a leadership review in April following the party's third-place finish in last October's federal election.

DiNovo, who isan ordained United Church minister anda longtime campaigner for gay, lesbian and transgender rights, said she will be running a grassroots campaign.

"I have a very difficult time when I see the marginalized attackedor [see] spin replace evidence-based analysis," she said. "That is why I am, in fact, putting my name forward as a candidate for the federal NDP leadership."

DiNovo, who is calling onthe party to change its rules,said that since she doesn't have the money required "for the privilege" of officially entering the race, she is declaring herself as an "unofficial" candidate.

"Money should not in any way be a barrier for the leadership of a democratic, socialist party," she said.

Asked for a specific comment about DiNovo's"unofficial" bid,NDP National Director Karl Blangersaid"I won't be making comments about any leadership candidates."

Blangernoted the nomination period opens on July 2, adding that, "All individuals will be subject to the regulations put forth in the Canada Elections Act, even before the launch of the race.

"In order to be officially registered with the party, a candidate must file the nomination paperwork, submit the registration fee, be approved to stand as a candidate and agree to follow all the rules adopted by the democratically elected bodies of the New Democratic Party of Canada,"Blanger said.

DiNovo's"unofficial" candidacy sparked a range of reactionon social media:

Others dismissedher announcement outright.

While some welcomed it.

DiNovo's announcement alsoprompted several questions from the media.

Asked whether she was really running for the leadership of the partyor simply making a point,DiNovo said she would "happily step aside"should a "stronger" candidate who upholds democratic, socialist principles come forward.

"But I'm also not happy to just stand back and wait for that to happen," DiNovo said. "I'm in for the long haul."

Pressed onwhether she was calling on the party executive to change the rules for entry, DiNovo said: "Absolutely. WhatI'm saying is what the party executive has done isn't the way to go."

Nathan Cullen, the veteran British Columbia MPwho ran against Tom Mulcair for the leadership in 2012 and finished third, ruled out last week a run for the top job.

DiNovo saidshe will be running on the following four principles:

1.Combating climate change

This "existential crisis" will require an "aggressive and realistic response," DiNovo said

2. Social justice and human rights

DiNovo, an advocate ofLGBTQ2S, women and labour rights, said she will push forbanningconversion therapy across Canada, equal pay for equal work andchildcare for all.

3. Justice for Canada's minorities

"It's not enough to say 'black lives matter.' It must mean an end to systemic racism," DiNovo said, adding that she would also look to seek"real justicefor Canada's First Nations."

4. Social benefits for all

DiNovo saidshe will campaign for free post-secondary education, fully funded healthcare, affordable housing, higher social assistance and pension rates, and further protections for those with disabilities.

"It sounds radical, but there's nothing radical about any of this," DiNovo said adding that,"Paying for it is the least of our problems."

DiNovo, who represents the riding ofParkdale-HighPark in the Ontario legislature,was first elected in 2006.