The three people vying for the leadership of the provincial NDP came face-to-face for the first public debate of the race on Thursday night.
The event was organized by the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg and the candidates took questions from about 30 people in the audience.
Those questions touched on issues including violence, child and family services, missing and murdered indigenous women, and discrimination in Manitoba.
“Let’s call is what it really is,” said Theresa Oswald. “Racism. Pure and simple and ugly.”
“There’s a disconnect between what should be, re: the aboriginal advantage in this province,” added Steve Ashton.
While they share a similar message, both Oswald and Ashton are trying to unseat Premier Greg Selinger.
“I think we have a lot to do,” said the premier. “I think there’s been a lot accomplished and I think there’s a lot more we can do together.”
New Democrats will pick a leader March 8, at the party’s convention.
