A union leader from British Columbia has joined the federal NDP leadership race, emphasizing his understanding of workers’ concerns. Rob Ashton, the president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, announced his candidacy, positioning himself as the “first working-class labour candidate” in the competition. At his campaign launch in Toronto, Ashton highlighted the need for workers to have representation in Parliament.
Describing himself as a working-class Canadian who has experienced the struggles and aspirations of everyday workers, Ashton expressed his frustration with the current state of affairs, stating, “I’m running because I’m sick and tired of watching working people get screwed.”
Acknowledging his reputation for being outspoken within Canada’s labour movement, Ashton emphasized his straightforward communication style, saying, “I talk like I talk at work. I’m honest. I’m gonna tell you what’s what, because I’m tired of politicians telling workers nothing but lies.”
Ashton had previously warned about the NDP’s electoral prospects due to their support for the Liberals under a supply-and-confidence agreement with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He expressed concern that workers were shifting their support towards the Conservative Party.
In the NDP leadership race, Ashton is competing against Edmonton MP Heather McPherson, former journalist Avi Lewis, and political activist Yves Engler to succeed former leader Jagmeet Singh. Ashton criticized both the Conservatives and Liberals for failing to support workers when it matters most.
While Ashton did not delve into specific policy proposals, he emphasized the importance of safeguarding Canadian jobs, supporting domestic industries, and implementing tax reforms that target the wealthy rather than the working class. With three decades of experience as a longshoreman, including advocating for dockworkers in B.C., Ashton believes he can reconnect the NDP with its foundational principles centered on labor issues.
