Manitoba NDP leadership candidates Steve Ashton and Wab Kinew touted endorsements from fellow MLAs and labour organizations on the first day of the last full month of the campaign period, which ends when a new leader is chosen Sept. 16.
Ashton's campaign announced that the former longtime Thompson MLA had been endorsed by two of the party's northern MLAs – Tom Lindsey, who represents Flin Flon, and Amanda Lathlin, who represents The Pas.
"It is critical the next leader of our party be committed to our party and our province," said a written statement by Lindsey and Lathlin. "As northern MLAs we believe that Steve Ashton is the best candidate for leader of our party. He is a committed New Democrat best able to put forward a bold progressive agenda. He knows every part of our province. He can rebuild the party in rural, northern and urban Manitoba. He can take on Brian Pallister and the PCs and lead us to victory in the next election."
Meanwhile, Kinew, the MLA for Winnipeg's Fort Rouge riding since April 2016, who was endorsed by Manitoba Federation of Labour July 24, said he had been endorsed by former NDP minister of labour Erna Braun, the third former NDP labour minister to back him, along with Becky Barrett and Nancy Allen.
“Wab is the leader we need to represent NDP values today,” said Braun. "Working families need our support. Wab has the unequivocal support of the labour movement. He is uniting party elders while bringing in the next generation of thinkers and organizers. He will make an excellent leader and an outstanding premier.”
“Labour is under attack by the Pallister government," said Barrett. "This means that families of everyday Manitobans are under attack too. We need a leader with integrity and passion for the future. The labour movement’s message to New Democrats is clear: if you want to help us resist Pallister, support Wab for leader,”
“I am honoured to have the support of those on the front lines of the labour movement, and from long-time leaders like Erna,” said Kinew. “With their support, we will bring the party together to focus on righting the wrongs of this Conservative government, and bring Manitobans together to fight for stronger families, and better opportunities for every kid wanting to build a brighter future.”
The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 832, which represents 19,000 Manitoba workers in industries including retail, food processing, hospitality, security and healthcare, has also endorsed Kinew as its choice for the next leader of the Manitoba NDP.
“UFCW can clearly see that Wab is the best choice to renew our party," said UFCW Local 832 president Jeff Traeger. "He is dedicated, driven and is willing to fight for positive change for all Manitobans.”
