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Short: NDP rebuild could hinge on strength in the West
Manage episode 482763389 series 2611335
Edmonton MP Heather McPherson says the federal NDP must reconnect with its working-class roots as it looks to rebuild after a historic election loss. In an interview with CBC host Rob Brown on West of Centre Short, McPherson acknowledged the sting of losing all but seven seats — five of them west of Ontario — but said the party can rebuild from its western strongholds. She pointed to Edmonton Strathcona’s long-standing legacy of NDP leadership, both federally and provincially, as a foundation for growth.
McPherson called for a pragmatic approach to energy and climate policy, stressing the need to reduce emissions while protecting jobs. While she didn’t rule out supporting future infrastructure such as an east-west pipeline, she said any such project would require consultation with Indigenous communities and other provinces.
The conversation also touched on leadership speculation. McPherson didn’t rule out a bid to replace Jagmeet Singh, saying she’s “getting asked a lot” and remains open to the idea. She dismissed suggestions that the Alberta NDP’s move to decouple provincial and federal memberships signals a deeper rift, describing the party as a “big tent” with shared values across the country. As for whether the next leader should come from the West, she said prairie pragmatism could help ground the party — but added the tone must also reflect the voices of grassroots members coast to coast.
217 episodes
Manage episode 482763389 series 2611335
Edmonton MP Heather McPherson says the federal NDP must reconnect with its working-class roots as it looks to rebuild after a historic election loss. In an interview with CBC host Rob Brown on West of Centre Short, McPherson acknowledged the sting of losing all but seven seats — five of them west of Ontario — but said the party can rebuild from its western strongholds. She pointed to Edmonton Strathcona’s long-standing legacy of NDP leadership, both federally and provincially, as a foundation for growth.
McPherson called for a pragmatic approach to energy and climate policy, stressing the need to reduce emissions while protecting jobs. While she didn’t rule out supporting future infrastructure such as an east-west pipeline, she said any such project would require consultation with Indigenous communities and other provinces.
The conversation also touched on leadership speculation. McPherson didn’t rule out a bid to replace Jagmeet Singh, saying she’s “getting asked a lot” and remains open to the idea. She dismissed suggestions that the Alberta NDP’s move to decouple provincial and federal memberships signals a deeper rift, describing the party as a “big tent” with shared values across the country. As for whether the next leader should come from the West, she said prairie pragmatism could help ground the party — but added the tone must also reflect the voices of grassroots members coast to coast.
217 episodes
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