Former NDP executive Chris Bruce to challenge McCurdy for leadership

Chris Bruce, a former member of the Newfoundland and Labrador NDP executive, announced he would be going up against Earle McCurdy for the party's leadership.

Former FFAW President Earle McCurdy had been the only declared candidate until Bruce made the announcement on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old resigned from the party's board more than a year ago because he wasn't happy with the leadership of the current leader Lorraine Michael.

However, Bruce said his leaving the party's executive had nothing to do with issues about party policy.

Bruce added while he doesn't have the same level of experience or a portfolio like McCurdy's, he's confident going into the race.

"As a young person, if I was waiting until there wouldn't be someone more accomplished than me and with more experience then I wouldn't be able to get involved with politics until I was 70-odd, and I wasn't willing to wait that long," said Bruce.

Province 'disconnected' from party

Bruce said while the party itself is facing some serious issues, the problems facing the province are even bigger.

"The solution that the province needs are definitely NDP solutions, but the province has become disconnected with the party and I want to fix that and I believe I can fix that, and becoming part of the leadership race is the main way to do that," he said.

Bruce said one of the issues he plans to take on is campaign financing, adding that he won't be taking donations from large companies or unions.

"I imagine Earle and I agree on the vast majority of policy. I mean, it's the NDP, we're all looking out for the working class, that's kinda why we're there," said Bruce.

"Where we will diverge is on campaign finance reform, most of all, and that is I think a discussion that not only does the NDP need to have but the province at large."

The NDP will hold its leadership convention at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown St. John's on March 7.