Can the NDP Be Saved? (Ft. Rob Ashton)

Jan 28, 2026

Rob Ashton, longshore worker and ILWU Canada president now running for NDP leadership, talks labour-first strategies. He covers restoring easy unionization and stronger labor laws. He discusses rebuilding domestic industry, job guarantees and using procurement for Canadian jobs. He outlines worker ownership, workplace democracy, and a worker-centered climate and energy transition.

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INSIGHT

Rebuild The Party From The Grassroots

Rob Ashton argues the NDP lost working-class support by stopping grassroots listening and organizing.
He plans to rebuild member-led, rank-and-file structures to reconnect the party with workers.

ANECDOTE

Longshore Roots And Rank‑And‑File Leadership

Rob Ashton spent 32 years as a longshoreman and leads ILWU Canada as national president for ten years.
He frames his campaign as the voice of rank-and-file members and a working-class father and grandfather.

ADVICE

Replace Exploitative TW Programs

End exploitative Temporary Foreign Worker rules and require employers to pay Canadian rates.
Give migrant workers pathways to permanent residency and the power to unionize safely.

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