New federal NDP leader Avi Lewis will be a ‘great voice for the country’: Wab Kinew | CBC News
Listen to this article
Estimated 4 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Manitoba’s New Democrat Premier Wab Kinew says he’s feeling inspired and is looking forward to a positive working relationship with new federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis after his decisive win at the party’s convention in Winnipeg on Sunday.
Kinew told reporters that he and Lewis — who won 56 per cent of the vote on the first ballot — share similar values and, despite some policy differences, the premier feels confident they’ll be able to work together.
“I love the guy,” Kinew said. “I just love Avi. He’s just a great person. And we don’t have to agree on everything in order to do the big things together. The big things are health care, education. Yeah, we can have debates — heated debates — about any manner of other issues, but the values are there.”
“I know that Avi and I will be able to work together,” he said.
Kinew said he and Lewis have already started talking about economic development in the Port of Churchill, where the premier has floated the possibility of a pipeline that would carry energy from western Canada, like liquefied natural gas, to the northern Manitoba town.
Lewis has opposed increasing fossil fuel production, which has drawn criticism from provincial NDP leaders in Alberta and Saskatchewan. But Manitoba’s premier told reporters he wasn’t concerned about Lewis’ stance or about aligning himself with the new federal leader.
“When progressives have debate, have differences of opinion, we should view that as a sign of a healthy party and a healthy democracy,” he said, adding he expects “interesting conversations ahead” on certain policies where the two leaders have differing approaches.
“He’ll be able to be a great voice for the country,” Kinew said, calling Sunday a “great day for New Democrats from coast to coast to coast.”
Some delegates excited, disappointed after Lewis’ win
Lewis beat out four opponents to win the federal leadership race on Sunday, with Edmonton Strathcona MP Heather McPherson coming in second with 29 per cent of the vote.
Tanille Johnston earned seven per cent of the vote, Rob Ashton took 5.9 per cent and Tony McQuail got one per cent, according to the party.
Brandon University’s delegate Kiersten Garbutt, who backed McPherson, said she’s disappointed, but is ultimately ready to support Lewis.
“Personally I’m disappointed because I obviously supported Heather, but I’m excited to be a part of a party that is very energized and very motivated to unite ourselves,” Garbutt said, adding, “I think we’re all excited and we all support Avi Lewis and we’re all ready to work behind him for the party.”
Garbutt said she’s seen young people get excited about Lewis because he represents change.
Nicholas Wheeler-Hughes, who volunteered with Lewis’ campaign, said it was hard to put his feelings into words on Sunday.
“I can’t believe it,” Wheeler-Hughes said.
New NDP Leader Avi Lewis spoke after a first-ballot victory on Sunday at the party’s convention in Winnipeg. Winning the leadership with 56 per cent of the vote, Lewis called on the NDP to build ‘a shared future, a government that works for the many, not the money.’
“I’m thrilled for him, I’m thrilled for all the people that worked on the campaign, and I’m thrilled for the country because I think this is a really bright moment of hope,” he said.
Quebec-based delegate James Newman said Lewis’ win is an “amazing result,” despite ranking Johnston as his first choice to lead the party.
“I’m feeling pumped, I’m feeling energized,” he said. “People were saying that this convention was going to be a funeral. It’s not. It’s a phoenix rising from the ashes.”