NDP MPP Joel Harden planning to run federally in Ottawa

Ontario NDP MPP Joel Harden says he has submitted papers to run as a candidate for the federal NDP in the next election.

Harden, who represents Ottawa Centre in the Ontario legislature, did not confirm the riding in which he intends to seek the nomination.

"I love working for this community. It is the job of my life, and it's a fantastic place to learn from and advocate for," Harden told Radio-Canada on Saturday.

However, Harden also said he could not provide more details until he is an authorized candidate.

In 2018, Harden defeated then-incumbent Liberal MPP Yasir Naqvi in Ottawa Centre, breaking the Liberals' grip on a riding they'd held for more than 20 years.

Naqvi went on to become a Liberal MP when he won the federal Ottawa Centre riding during the 2021 election.

The next federal election must be held no later than October 2025.