NDP leadership candidates pitch ‘straight-talk’ solutions, ‘valuing the base,’ and inclusion to labour leaders at first forum

Union leader Rob Ashton positioned himself as a voice for the working class and NDP MP Heather McPherson pitched expanding the NDP umbrella so more Canadians feel welcome in the party.

NDP leadership candidates Tanille Johnston, left, Avi Lewis, Tony McQuail, Heather McPherson, and Rob Ashton stand with with CLC president Bea Bruske at a forum hosted by the Canadian Labour Congress in Ottawa on Oct. 22.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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BY ELEANOR WAND

October 22, 2025

The five official NDP leadership candidates offered the first side-by-side glimpse of their pitches to connect working-class Canadians back to the party, telling labour leaders at the race's first forum how "cutting the crap,” "straight-talk" solutions, and finding ways to...

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