2017 Manitoba New Democratic Party leadership election
The New Democratic Party of Manitoba leadership election of 2017 was called as a result of the resignation of Manitoba NDP leader Greg Selinger following his government's defeat in the April 19, 2016, Manitoba general election. Rules. The rules and format of the leadership election were decided by the party in March 2017 where no major changes to the status quo were approved. The party decided in favour of holding a traditional delegated leadership convention rather than a One Member One Vote election. In the 2015 race, labour unions had been allotted  31 per cent of delegate slots. Steve Ashton, , former MLA for Thompson (1981–2016), Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation and Minister responsible for Emergency Measures (2015–2016), Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation (2009–2014), Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs (2006–2009), Minister of Water Stewardship (2003–2006), Minister of Labour and Immigration (2003), Minister of Conservation (2002–2003), Minister of Transportation and Government Services (2001–2002), Minister of Highways and Government Services (1999–2001). Runner-up in the 2009 leadership election and third place candidate in the 2015 leadership election. Father of federal NDP MP Niki Ashton. Wab Kinew, , is the MLA for Fort Rouge (2016–present), former broadcaster , musician, author, and professor. Michelle McHale, is a staff representative for the United Food and Commercial Workers union and social activist. She gained national prominence for organizing a pride parade in Steinbach, Manitoba, a conservative town in the province's Bible Belt.