NDP’s Ashton in political battle to keep federal northern Manitoba riding

The election in Manitoba’s northern federal riding, is viewed as a two way race, with the longtime NDP incumbent in a fight to hold onto her seat.

Brandon University professor Kelly Saunders said the stars could be aligning here for the Liberals.

“I think if the election were held today, Niki Ashton would be in trouble,” said Saunders.

Churchill-Keewatinook-Aski is the largest riding in Manitoba. Ashton has been the MP since 2008.

“We are hearing real positive support on the ground as people know the NDP fights for Indigenous and northern communities, fights for our region, my home,” said Ashton.

Incumbency comes with advantages.

“She’s got established networks and relationships with communities throughout the north,” said Saunders.

Ashton is in a rematch from a decade ago, versus Liberal Party candidate Rebecca Chartrand.

Chartrand is the CEO of Indigenous Strategy, a consulting firm.

“I think people want to see change, that’s what we’re hearing at the door. We’ve been out on the road, we’ve been to Berens, Poplar River, we’ve been to a number of communities,” said Chartrand.

Saunders said nationally, the Liberals are on the upswing, the NDP is sliding, and the riding has a large Indigenous population, which could all benefit Chartrand.

“You also, I think, have a really strong Liberal candidate in the form of Rebecca Chartrand, who is Indigenous and ran against Niki in 2015 and came within 900 votes of winning,” said Saunders. “So I think the dynamics this time around are really in the Liberals favour.”

The Conservative Party of Canada candidate for the riding is Lachlan Denardi.

The People’s Party of Canada has Dylan Young, who works in the automotive industry.

“Might be the decision maker,” said Young. “I’m sure that there’s always room for us to give the other parties a nudge in the right direction.”

The Green Party candidate is Siwichis McElsatrick, according to the party website.