Liberals Lamoureux up against ‘strong’ Conservative candidate

CTV’s Jeff Keele has a look at the federal riding of Winnipeg North and what could happen there this election.

For the last 15 years, the Liberals have held the federal riding of Winnipeg North because of the strength of their candidate, Kevin Lamoureux.

Mary Agnes Welch of Probe Research said Lamoureux has grassroots support, including the Filipino community here.

“There’s a phrase in Manitoba politics, never bet against a Lamoureux,” said Welch.

Lamoureux is betting on himself again as he’s running for re-election.

He said he decided to run long before his party turned around their fortunes in the polls.

“I believe in a national health-care system, and that’s why—that’s my passion—and that’s why I made the decision to run again,” said Lamoureux.

Lamoureux famously meets with voters every Saturday at the McDonald’s on Keewatin Street. It’s a topic he hears about more than other issues on the doorstep, until this election.

The incumbent said he’s getting an earful on the economy and Donald Trump’s tariffs.

“Trump has trumped my McDonald’s during this election.”

Normally Lamoureux is trying to fend off the NDP here, who once had this seat under Judy Wasylycia-Leis.

The NDP candidate this time around is Adebayo Akinrogunde, a mental health and child care worker at the Shamattawa First Nation health department.

But with the NDP’s polling numbers down and the number of blue signs in the riding, the Conservative candidate could be the one giving Lamoureux a run for his money.

Rachel Punzalan is a lawyer and small business owner.

“There’s quite a strong Conservative candidate in Rachel Punzalan. Good lawyer, Filipino, good community background,” said Welch.

Lamoureux said he’s not taking anything for granted.

“You know the Conservatives have substantial support that’s there, I have substantial support, I’m going to assume the NDP do too,” said Lamoureux. “I will work very hard.”

CTV News reached out to other candidates for interviews, including the Conservatives and the NDP, and did not hear back.

Also running according to Elections Canada in Winnipeg North are Angela Bridges for the Green Party, Jessica Bailon for the People’s Party of Canada, and Sarah Borbridge for the Communist Party.