WINNIPEG — Here’s a look at the three candidates for the NDP leadership vote on March 8. The winner of the leadership race will become premier of Manitoba.
READ MORE: Manitoba could have new premier after NDP leadership vote Sunday
Steve Ashton
Born: February 29, 1956, in Surrey, England.
Education: Bachelor of arts in political science. Master’s degree in economics.
Political experience: First elected to the legislature in 1981 to represent Thompson. Has held a variety of cabinet portfolios since the NDP took power in 1999, including highways, infrastructure, conservation, water stewardship and emergency measures.
Did you know: Ashton is the longest-serving current member of the legislature and was first elected while he was a worker on strike at the Inco mine in Thompson.
For the record: “I’ve won nine elections, but I’ve learned more from the one I didn’t win.” — Ashton, referring to his previous leadership bid in 2009.
Theresa Oswald
Born: May 1, 1966, in Winnipeg.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in education.
Political experience: Elected to the legislature in 2003 in Seine River. Appointed as minister for healthy living in 2004; elevated to minister of health in 2006.
Did you know: Oswald won a beer bet in 2003 with then-city councillor Gord Steeves. Steeves had told her she would not be able to win the Seine River seat in the provincial election. Steeves would later run against Oswald, unsuccessfully, in the 2011 election.
For the record: “I certainly wouldn’t recommend to anyone else considering a leadership run the path that I’ve taken. You know, it’s been bumpy, and I think that that might speak to being some evidence of it not being a master Machiavellian plan.” — Oswald, on accusations she had long planned a coup against the premier.
Greg Selinger
Born: Feb. 16, 1951, in Regina.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, master’s degree in public administration, PhD in social policy and administration.
Political experience: Winnipeg city councillor 1989-1992, member of the legislature 1999 to present. Finance minister 1999-2009.
Did you know: Selinger frequently rides his bicycle to work during the warm-weather months. It’s a three-kilometre trip from his home in St. Boniface to the legislature.
For the record: “I will have been a successful premier if we have developed an economy that is a modern economy, that offers good quality jobs to a well-educated group of citizens.” — Selinger, shortly after becoming premier in 2009.
TIMELINE: A look at how Selinger got to this point
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