In a former restaurant on Sherbrook Street, turned campaign office, Liberal candidate Rahul Walia is confident his team is cooking up a winning strategy in Winnipeg Centre.
“We have a well-funded campaign, we have lots of volunteers, we’re out on the doors everyday, in fact…I’ve been doing this for months now.” said Walia.
Walia touts his background in politics as to why he would be successful here. He’s a former advisor to the transport minister.
“Given all the forces that are happening with (Donald) Trump, and rising cost of living, housing shortages, I really feel that I would be in the best position to deliver for our community.”
Walia will have his work cut out for him.
The riding consists of downtown and the inner city, and is a traditional orange seat. On top of this, the NDP incumbent, Leah Gazan, is well known in the community and is a longtime advocate for Indigenous and women’s rights.
“We’ve had historic investments made in Winnipeg Centre and I’m hoping to get the opportunity to continue building on that momentum,” said Gazan.
Gazan may have her work cut out for her too.
The riding was Liberal for a term, when Robert-Falcon Ouellette won here in 2015. The NDP is down in the polls nationally, which University of Winnipeg political professor Malcolm Bird said could spell big trouble for Gazan.
“I guess the real question strategically for her is how many people are voting for her because of who she personally is, and how many are voting for her because she is affiliated with the party,” said Bird.
Gazan appears confident.
“The response at the door certainly doesn’t reflect the polls,” said Gazan. “I feel so much love from the community, so much support, we have built so much together.”
There are four other candidates on the ballot.
The Conservative Party of Canada is represented by Tom Bambirck, who declined an interview request. The People’s Party of Canada candidate is Donald Grant. The Green Party has Gary Gervais, and Debra Wall is with the Animal Protection Party of Canada.
