NDP House Leader Thomas Mulcair is expected to formally enter the race to replace Jack Layton next week in Montreal, party officials said.
Mr. Mulcair has been engaged in consultations since Mr. Layton died in August, gauging the level of support for his eventual bid, especially outside of his political base in Quebec.
His prolonged decision-making process has allowed former party president Brian Topp to gain a head start in the race, with Mr. Topp already having the support of former NDP leader Ed Broadbent and other senior party members.
However, Mr. Mulcair has sent out invitations to some of his supporters to join him for a formal announcement.
“The date and time have been decided,” said NDP MP Tarik Brahmi, who represents the riding of St-Jean in Quebec and is already a known supporter of Mr. Mulcair. “Yes, he will be running.”
His office has yet to confirm the news of his candidacy. “Mr. Mulcair enjoys wide-ranging support within the caucus. In addition, he has received encouragements from all over Canada. He is very sensible to this, and thankful. His reflection is ongoing,” spokeswoman Chantale Turgeon said.
Mr. Mulcair's entry into the race would bring a spark to the campaign which has been dominated by Mr. Topp, with a small number of MPs – Nathan Cullen, Paul Dewar and Romeo Saganash – trying to make a name for themselves.
On Tuesday, NDP MP Peter Julian made a surprise announcement that he will not be running, even though he had garnered the public support of five of his caucus colleagues.
“I have decided that my role is to continue my work as Interim Caucus Chair at this key point in our history and, as Industry Critic, to continue our work with the other significant economic roles in our shadow cabinet to put in place strong alternatives to the current government on jobs and the economy,” Mr. Julian said in a statement.
He did not endorse any of the other candidates in the race.
