NDP Leadership Candidate, Ashton, Vows to Have a Local Food Minister

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Thompson MLA and leadership candidate for NDP Manitoba, Steve Ashton, has vowed to create a new ministry, if he gets elected, that will particularly look into local food and social enterprise. During a press conference at a local Meats and Frozen Treats on Friday, the former Infrastructure minister alleged that the post will be added to a current minister’s portfolio.

In his remarks, Ashton stated that “it is win-win, it is a win in terms of our economic development, it is also a win in terms of sustainability because when you have food products that are produced locally, you obviously reduce (greenhouse) gas emissions getting them to market.” He explained that “the benefits, in my mind, will be sustainable agricultural production, sustainable production that will create jobs, as well as business opportunity.” In addition to that, Mr. Ashton also signed the Manitoba Food Charter on Friday, which calls for a just and sustainable food system in the province.

Upon inquiry about Manitoba Premier and current party leader, Greg Selinger, officially entering the race, Ashton stressed that he is not running against a sitting premier but for the NDP leadership. He said that “I certainly welcome the premier into the race, not that it is any surprise … I have a lot of respect for Greg Selinger and the years he served as premier,” adding that “I will be putting forward some different perspectives … people have a clear choice whether it is on the PST, whether it is on our economic vision, I think it’s important for Manitobans to have the choice.”