NDP declares union boss, two others leadership contestants

Rob Ashton, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, has entered the federal NDP leadership race.

Source: Facebook

Rob Ashton, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, has entered the federal NDP leadership race. He casts himself as the labour movement’s voice in a contest some expect will shape the party’s direction for years.

In a campaign video released Wednesday, Ashton said he is running to bring the party “back to its roots,” presenting himself as the first “working-class labour candidate” in the race.

“I’m done watching working people pick between Liberals and Conservatives, only to end up with the short end of the stick,” Ashton said.

“I’m running because I want our party to get back to its roots, putting regular working Canadians first.”

In November 2024, Ashton asserted on an X post, that the NDP “has not abandoned the working class” in response to fellow union boss, Andre Roberge who endorsed Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.

Ashton joins Alberta MP Heather McPherson and filmmaker Avi Lewis as the first declared candidates in the race to replace outgoing NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.

Several others are considering entering the race, including Montreal-based activist Yves Engler and Tanille Johnston, a city councillor in Campbell River, B.C., and former NDP candidate.

The NDP’s first candidate forum is expected later this month, with two formal debates scheduled. The first debate is in November.

Candidates must gather 500 qualifying nomination signatures and pay a $100,000 entry fee to make the ballot.

Party members will vote for the next leader on March 29, 2026, during the NDP’s annual convention in Winnipeg.

To be eligible to vote, individuals must be at least 14 years old and hold a party membership by Jan. 28.

The leadership race comes at a pivotal moment for the party as it seeks to rebuild in its post-Singh era. The party experienced a decline in funds and seats, losing party status after winning only seven seats. The NDP had held official party status every year since 1997, when it held 21 seats in a 301-seat House of Commons.