The race to lead the NDP got fiery in New Westminster, B.C., during the second official leadership debate. Five hopefuls – Avi Lewis, Heather McPherson, Rob Ashton, Tanille Johnston (the first Indigenous woman to run for a major federal party leader), and organic farmer Tony McQuail – faced off. Perceived frontrunner Avi Lewis took the brunt of attacks, coolly dismissing them as “dim sparks.” But make no mistake, the sparks certainly flew!
One of the night’s biggest showdowns came when union leader Rob Ashton directly challenged Lewis over his controversial role in championing the 2016 Leap Manifesto. This anti-fossil fuel document deeply angered the Alberta NDP, nearly sparking a “civil war” and potentially hurting their provincial re-election chances. Ashton minced no words, claiming it “absolutely destroyed” their future. Lewis, however, fired back, stating convention organizers were aware. This issue clearly leaves lasting scars.
Beyond policy, candidates showed their true colours. Rob Ashton delivered the most memorable line, describing Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre as “slick as snot” and “about as much a worker as I am a flower girl” when discussing Poilievre’s appeal to blue-collar voters. The moderator was visibly taken aback!
A dose of realism permeated the debate when candidates were asked about their primary goal: rebuilding the party or becoming Prime Minister. Four out of five candidates opted for “rebuilding,” acknowledging the long road ahead. Only Tony McQuail declared his immediate ambition for the top job.
Finally, there was “violent agreement” on electoral reform, with all five candidates advocating for changes to Canada’s first-past-the-post system, highlighting its unfairness. Tony McQuail also offered a unique take on winning back Quebec, referencing his Katimavik volunteer experience to connect with working-class francophone voters.
This debate offered a fascinating glimpse into a party grappling with its past, charting a realistic future, and certainly not shying away from a few memorable verbal jabs.
