A British Columbia union leader has officially entered the race for the federal New Democratic Party (NDP) leadership. Rob Ashton, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, announced his candidacy on Wednesday. He positions himself as a candidate who truly understands the challenges faced by workers, claiming to be the "first working-class labour candidate" in this leadership contest.

In an interview prior to his announcement, Ashton expressed his straightforward approach to politics. "I talk like I talk at work. I'm not gonna bullshit you," he stated. He emphasized his commitment to honesty, saying, "I'm tired of politicians telling workers nothing but lies."

Ashton is joining a competitive field that includes Edmonton MP Heather McPherson, former journalist Avi Lewis, and political activist Yves Engler. This leadership race follows the resignation of former leader Jagmeet Singh, who stepped down after the NDP experienced its worst election outcome in the spring, resulting in only seven MPs remaining in the party.

Ashton has been vocal about the NDP's challenges, particularly after the party supported the Liberals through a supply-and-confidence agreement under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He previously warned that the NDP was in a precarious position, stating that workers were increasingly turning to the Conservative Party. "New Democrats are in really bad shape," he said in February.

He criticized both the Conservative and Liberal parties for making promises to workers but failing to deliver when it counts. "We've seen it time and time again, you see the blue team and the red team make promises to workers. And every single election cycle, nothing changes," Ashton remarked. He believes that the wealth gap continues to widen, leaving working-class Canadians behind.

While Ashton has not detailed specific policies, he advocates for protecting Canadian jobs and domestic industries. He insists that the NDP should focus on taxing the wealthy rather than burdening working-class individuals. With 30 years of experience as a longshoreman, Ashton has spent nearly half of that time representing dock workers in British Columbia.

"I know why people are suffering out there. And I know that I can bring the NDP back to the roots, and our roots for the NDP is labour," he said. Ashton aims to resonate with working Canadians who are frustrated with the current state of the country.

The NDP will select its new leader on March 29 during the party's annual convention in Winnipeg. Candidates must gather at least 500 signatures and pay a $100,000 entry fee to qualify for the ballot. Tanille Johnston, a city councillor from Campbell River, B.C., has also recently launched a website to explore support for her potential leadership bid.