‘Social justice’ leader in race for Winnipeg North

The head of an aboriginal youth sport program is in the running for the New Democratic Party’s nomination for the federal Winnipeg North riding.

And Kevin Chief has an endorsement from longtime NDP politician Judy Wasylycia-Leis, who vacated that seat last week when she resigned as an MP to run for the mayor’s chair in Winnipeg against incumbent Sam Katz.

Applauded by the former MP and about 150 other supporters on Friday, the 35-year-old Chief announced at Northwood Community Centre that he wants to carry the NDP banner in either a byelection to fill the House of Commons seat, or in the next federal general election — whichever comes first.

“It’s a big step, but without question, it’s something I think I’m prepared to do,” said Chief, who is married and expecting his first child in September.

The lifelong Winnipeg resident is likely in for a competitive race if he wins the NDP nomination. Manitoba Liberal MLA Kevin Lamoureux (Inkster) plans to seek the federal Grit nomination to run in that riding. Winnipeg Coun. Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas) is reportedly considering tossing his hat in for the Liberal nomination as well.

Chief is director of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre and co-ordinator of the Innovative Learning Centre at the University of Winnipeg. He said the NDP nomination — if he receives it — isn’t necessarily a ticket to an election victory in the riding, where the party has a stronghold.

“I’ve got to get out, work hard, talk to people and meet a lot of people. I’ve got to bring a whole new energy and set of ideas,” Chief said, adding he hasn’t yet formed a policy platform.

“Any of the other candidates running will be working hard, regardless of political experience. This is not a take-for-granted situation at all.”

Chief pointed out that it’s his first run for public office, after political experience “working on different campaigns and doing some of the grassroots kinds of things” in the past several years.

Wasylycia-Leis said Chief’s “pursuit of social justice is the perfect recipe for continued good representation” in North Winnipeg, which needs a “progressive” MP.

By ROSS ROMANIUK, Winnipeg Sun

And Kevin Chief has an endorsement from longtime NDP politician Judy Wasylycia-Leis, who vacated that seat last week when she resigned as an MP to run for the mayor’s chair in Winnipeg against incumbent Sam Katz.

Wasylycia-Leis said Chief’s “pursuit of social justice is the perfect recipe for continued good representation” in North Winnipeg, which needs a “progressive” MP.