Ottawa MP Paul Dewar is poised to join the race for leadership over the New Democratic Party.

Dewar sent an email to supporters urging them to join him for an important announcement on Sunday.

The 48-year-old was first elected to parliament in 2006 and has held the seat ever since.

So far, party president Brian Topp and Quebec MP Romeo Saganash are the only ones to formally declare their intention to seek leadership.