Ashton vows to hold referendum on PST if chosen to lead NDP
Ashton calls PST increase issue 'the elephant in the room'
Former transportation minister Steve Ashton made a bold promise Tuesday morning while announcing his bid to lead the provincial NDP party.
On Monday, Ashton tweeted he was stepping down from his post in order to run for leader of the provincial NDP joining a race with former health minister Theresa Oswald.
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"I wouldn't have wished for a leadership race at this time under current circumstances, but I feel it is important to enter the race," Ashton told a room full of supporters before quickly shifting gears.
"I'm going to talk about the elephant in the room," Ashton said. He called the PST hike the “right thing” to do but said he still wants to call a referendum.
Ashton promised to hold a referendum on the PST increase if he is chosen to lead the party. He said that while he supports the increase, it was a mistake for the province to move ahead without first consulting with Manitobans.
"I've talked to hundreds of Manitobans who said you should have come to us first,” said Ashton. “You can't change what happened but you can change what will happen in the future, and by giving Manitobans the opportunity to do that I think that people can then take a second look."
The NDP announced an unpopular PST increase in the 2013 budget, upping it from seven per cent to eight per cent.
Ashton said he will live without the hundreds of millions in revenue the PST increase rakes in, if that's what Manitobans decide.
The party has undergone major upheaval and turmoil in the last few months, as well as a dip in Premier Greg Selinger's popularity.
Eventually, five ministers resigned from their posts, and Selinger called for a party leadership race.
Balagus endorses Oswald
On Tuesday Michael Balagus came out in support of Theresa Oswald.
Balagus was the chief of staff to Gary Doer, Greg Selinger and Andrea Horwath of Ontario’s new democratic party.
He said Oswald is the NDP's best chance to beat the Tories in the next election and Ashton’s PST referendum move comes from the Tory playbook.
I've got significant caucus support more than last time- Steve Ashton
"Nothing new for Manitobans. I mean that's been Brian Pallister's position and now it's Steve's," said Balagus.
In addition to the major backroom strategist in Balagus, Oswald's leadership bid also has cabinet support in Minister Ron Lemieux.
Former minister Rondeau backs Ashton
Thus far the closest thing to ministerial support Ashton has received comes from former cabinet minister Jim Rondeau. Rondeau was an influential supporter of Selinger’s in 2009.
"He's honourable and he has a vision I believe in," said Rondeau of Ashton.
Ashton said he feels good about his odds.
“I've got significant caucus support more than last time,” said Ashton. "We'll be rolling out our campaign both in terms of ideas and stay tuned, there's quite a bit more in terms of support.”
As was the case in his 2009 bid for office, Ashton has already begun garnering support from Manitoba’s immigrant community.
"He's [Ashton] an immigrant, too, so he feels how these people feel, what they need," said Dashi Zargani, president of the Iraqi Canadian Community Centre.
Kostyshyn takes over for Ashton
Kostyshyn was sworn in Tuesday morning after Ashton stepped down on Monday.
Kostyshyn will be handling two portfolios now. He was the minister of agriculture, food and rural development, and provincial officials say he will remain in that spot despite taking over the infrastructure portfolio.
Ashton was formerly the house leader. According to provincial officials, the mineral resources minister Dave Chomiak will take over those duties.
Selinger is expected to run in the leadership race as well but has not yet filed papers to do so.
The deadline to join the race is Jan. 6 and voting is expected to happen in March during the NDP convention.