Avi Lewis named federal NDP leader and praised by Wab Kinew as a 'great voice'

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said he and new federal NDP leader Avi Lewis share values and expect to work together after Lewis won 56% on the first ballot at the party convention in Winnipeg.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said he is inspired by the federal NDP leadership result and expects a positive working relationship with Avi Lewis. Lewis won the party leadership in Winnipeg with 56 per cent of the vote on the first ballot. Kinew said they share core values and can cooperate on priorities such as health care and education despite some policy differences. The two have already discussed economic development in the Port of Churchill, where Kinew has mentioned the possibility of a pipeline. Key points: - Avi Lewis won the federal NDP leadership with 56 per cent of the vote on the first ballot; Heather McPherson received 29 per cent while other candidates split the remainder. - Premier Wab Kinew described a readiness to work with Lewis and said they share values, while acknowledging there will be policy debates. - Kinew and Lewis have discussed economic development in the Port of Churchill; Kinew has floated a pipeline idea, and Lewis has opposed increasing fossil fuel production. - Delegates at the convention had mixed reactions: some supporters of other candidates expressed disappointment, while others said they were energized and ready to unite behind Lewis. Summary: Kinew's comments signal an expectation of cooperation between Manitoba's provincial government and the new federal NDP leader on shared priorities, even as differences on energy policy remain. Undetermined at this time.