1 day ago
Swift News
A British Columbia union leader entered the federal NDP leadership race on Wednesday, promoting himself as a contender who understands the concerns of workers.
Rob Ashton, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, officially announced he was running to become the next leader of the New Democratic Party, with his campaign describing him as "the first working-class labour candidate in the federal NDP leadership race."
In an interview with CBC News ahead of the launch, Ashton acknowledged his reputation for being a voice within Canada's labour movement who tends to speak his mind.
"I talk like I talk at work. I'm not gonna bullshit you," he said.
"I'm honest. I'm gonna tell you what's what, because I'm tired of politicians telling workers nothing but lies."
Ashton joins Edmonton MP Heather McPherson, former journalist Avi Lewis and political activist Yves Engler, who are vying to replace former leader Jagmeet Singh. He stepped down after the NDP's worst election loss this past spring, leaving the party with just seven MPs.
Ashton said that both Conservatives and Liberals have attempted to befriend workers, only to abandon them when it really matters.
