New Democratic Party delegates will choose between a former Roman Catholic nun and a writer when they gather in St. John's to select a new provincial leader this weekend.

Lorraine Michael and Nina Patey are both social activists who have worked with the NDP for years. About 300 delegates are expected to be on hand for the vote.

Lorraine Michael, a former Roman Catholic nun, was the first candidate to step forward in the NDP's leadership race. (CBC)
Lorraine Michael, a former Roman Catholic nun, was the first candidate to step forward in the NDP's leadership race. (CBC)

Outgoing leader Jack Harris announced his decision to resign his post last October.

Harris, who addressed the house of assembly for the last time Thursday, said he is stepping down before the next sitting of the legislature in the fall.

Michael – a former Roman Catholic nun who has worked as a teacher – said the majority of feedback she's received from delegates has been positive.

Writer Nina Patey has run under the NDP banner twice before. (CBC)
Writer Nina Patey has run under the NDP banner twice before. (CBC)

"There have been some — a small number — who've said that they haven't made a decision yet, that in actual fact they don't know me or Nina, but that's a very small percentage," Michael said.

"The vast majority of the ones I'm speaking to are telling me that they are supporting me."

Patey, a writer who has run as an NDP candidate before, said many of delegates she has spoken with will not say which name they plan to write on their ballots.

"They're keeping the cards pretty close to their chest," Patey said. "I think they're going to come to the convention and I think it's going to be fought on the convention floor, as they say."

Both candidates agree the winner will have to work hard to build the party, which is up against a Conservative government that is showing strong support in public opinion polls.

They expect the NDP will keep the two seats it has now and hope to gain one or two more in the next election.

Patey said the long-term goal is to one day form an NDP government.