Erin Selby considering making a run for federal politics: sources

WINNIPEG – The federal election campaign kicked off more than two weeks ago and one local MLA is eyeing a run.

Sources confirm to Global News Erin Selby, who currently sits in the provincial legislature for the Manitoba NDP in the Southdale constituency, is considering throwing her name in to the running in the coming weeks.

However, Selby said she has not made a decision yet.

“It’s an honour to represent the families of Southdale, and that continues to be my focus,” Selby said in an email statement to Global News. “A number of friends and neighbours have approached me about running federally because they want to see change in Ottawa – and in this election, the only person who can deliver change is Tom Mulcair. At this point, I have not made any decisions.”

When NDP leader Thomas Mulcair was in Winnipeg earlier this week, he hinted his team had a secret weapon candidate who would be announcing their candidacy shortly.

A recent set of polling calls are adding fuel to the fire.

On Wednesday night, numerous calls went out to St. Boniface residents polling them on how they felt about two federal candidates in the riding.

The calls asked about Liberal candidate Dan Vandal and Conservative candidate Francois Catellier. However, it also included a third – NDP MLA Erin Selby.

St. Boniface – St. Vital will not be an easy riding for the NDP take over. Conservative Shelly Glover has held the seat since 2008. While Glover is not seeking re-election, Vandal quickly became the front runner.

This is one of only four Manitoba ridings where the NDP have yet to announce a candidate.

Selby was the province’s health minister until last year when she resigned from cabinet.

She was one of the “rebel five” MLA’s who resigned their seats in November 2014 after saying they could no longer work under premier Greg Selinger.

Global News has reached out to Selby for a comment but she has not yet responded.