The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor Here is the second and final part of The Reminder's interview with Churchill MP Niki Ashton. REMINDER: What irks you the most about the Harper government? ASHTON: While there are a number of concerns, I find it wrong that Stephen Harper speaks of his commitment to northern Canada without responding to our realities. From health care, to education, to infrastructure, northern Canadians face challenges that require all of us to work together. We are all proud of our North, but in order for us to realize the opportunities that exist, the Prime Minister must do more than talk about a northern vision. REMINDER: How would you compare being in official opposition to fourth-place opposition? How does this benefit your riding? ASHTON: I am proud to represent the Churchill constituency in Parliament. As an opposition MP, I have worked hard to bring forward the key issues facing our region regardless of the status of our party. As the official opposition, I am pleased able to be part of the work we are doing to call the government to account and put ourselves forward as a potential government in 2015. REMINDER: What has been the impact in northern Manitoba of the end of the single-desk marketing offered by the Canadian Wheat Board? ASHTON: The impact of losing the Canadian Wheat Board will begin to be seen in the next couple of years. Already among farmers, there have been feelings of tremendous uncertainty for their economic future. In terms of northern Manitoba, the CWB was the most important client of the Port of Churchill. It is still unclear how much grain will go through the port, particularly after the current transition subsidy ends. The loss of steady traffic through Churchill would impact the railway and communities that depend on it. The loss of the CWB is a loss for all Canadians, as it was an institution that helped create the best brand of grain in the world and ensured that farmers and communities across western Canada benefited from it. REMINDER: People know you as their MP, but perhaps not as a person. Outside of work, what are your interests and hobbies? How do you like to spend a day off? ASHTON: I actually enjoy visiting across northern Manitoba and spending time in the communities in our region. I particularly enjoy attending the many sporting and cultural events in our area. Culture Days in Flin Flon is always a highlight. If I have free time, my husband Ryan and I like visiting with friends. I like to catch up on reading and once in a while watch some comedy and yes even political comedy! REMINDER: You are seen as a rising star within the NDP. Is another leadership run in the cards? ASHTON: The support and encouragement I received from home and across the country while running for leader was very encouraging. My goal now is to work with our leader Tom Mulcair and the NDP team to hold the Harper government to account and to win government in 2015 so that we can make a more fair and equal Canada. As for the future, who knows what will happen. One thing I know is that everything I do in politics starts with representing our region in Parliament. That is why my main focus will continue to (be to) work hard (to) represent northern Manitobans.
