NDP leadership hopeful Charlie Angus is taking a leave from the race following the death of his sister.

The longtime New Democrat MP from Ontario announced late Tuesday that Kathleen Angus had passed away after a lengthy illness.

Angus missed the last leadership debate in Victoria on Aug. 2 to be by her side, taking a 10-day break from his campaign.

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This time, he will only be absent until Monday to plan and attend her funeral.

The MP for Timmins-James Bay will be back for a French language debate on Aug. 27 in Montreal.

Besides Angus, Manitoba MP Niki Ashton, Quebec MP Guy Caron and Jagmeet Singh, a member of the Ontario provincial legislature, are running.

A deadline for candidates to sign up new members is Thursday.