'Not a takeover': Ex-Calgary mayor Nenshi shrugs off criticism at leadership debate
The first debate in the Alberta NDP leadership race was mostly a civil affair Thursday but it wasn't all smooth sailing for former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi.
Close to 500 people turned out at the Yates Theatre in Lethbridge to hear Nenshi, three current NDP members of the legislature: Calgary's Kathleen Ganley and Edmonton representatives Sarah Hoffman and Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse as well as Alberta Federation of Labour President Gil McGowan.
- Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News, right at your fingertips
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Hoffman, the former health minister and deputy premier, made a veiled reference to Nenshi when she said she was “unapologetic” about being a New Democrat.
“Let's elect a New Democrat as leader of the NDP,” she said.
Afterward she made reference to Nenshi's suggestion that the Alberta and federal NDP should sever ties.
“A lot of people like to put up walls and blame Danielle Smith for putting up walls but there's someone on this stage who wants to put up a wall with the federal party - that's dangerous,” she said.
Afterward she defended her comments.
“I just want to tell the truth. I want everyone on that stage to tell the truth and be open about what their plans are,” she said.
“Anyone who wants to lead this party shouldn't be afraid to be bold and to be courageous.”
McGowan saved his criticism of Nenshi for after the debate ended. He had indicated in the debate the party needed to be more Tim Hortons than Starbucks and to reach out to working class voters. He added the party has a reputation as being elitist and filled with over-educated people who look down on those outside the major cities.
“Naheed Nenshi, I love the guy and he was a great mayor, but he's sort of a living, breathing embodiment of that negative stereotype about New Democrats being sanctimonious, over-educated, urban people who look down their noses at working people and people in rural Alberta,” McGowan told reporters.
“Is Naheed Nenshi really an asset or a liability?”
Nenshi, 52, was elected mayor of Calgary in 2010 and won three terms before deciding to bow out before the 2021 municipal election. He said the candidates have a lot of respect for each other and for their ideas.
“We've been doing this the last five or six weeks and we're starting to sound like one another,” he joked as the debate dealt with health care, environmental and Indigenous issues.
He downplayed critical comments he says was just done for TV, but acknowledges not everyone is happy he's an outsider.
“Sometimes a newcomer to the dinner table can help identify what some of the issues in the family are. I want to be very clear. This party does not need a saviour. This is not a takeover,” he said.
“The N in NDP should not stand for Naheed Democratic Party anymore than it stood for Notley Democratic Party.”
Ganley outlined her economic policies during the debate and praised the other candidates.
“Any one of us on this stage would be better placed to do a better job than the UCP is doing right now.”
Lori Williams, a political science professor at Calgary's Mount Royal University, had expected sniping would be kept at a minimum.
"Negativity turns folks off,“ she said.
“It's a delicate balance in a leadership debate because you want to be supportive of the party and supportive of whoever becomes the leader. You don't sort of want to kneecap them so they can't serve effectively ... but at the same time you've got to distinguish yourself.”
Current leader Rachel Notley announced in January her plan to step down after a decade at the helm of the provincial New Democrats. She is staying on as leader until June's leadership vote.
The NDP's May 2023 election loss was the second in a row under Notley.
The next debate will be in Calgary in May and a third is scheduled for Edmonton in June.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 25, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
B.C. study tracks breaths of killer whales using stunning drone video
The use of drones has helped researchers track the breathing patterns of killer whales off B.C.'s coast, and the videos offer a stunning glimpse of the majestic creatures diving and surfacing.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Duchene scores winner in 2nd OT, Stars reach conference final with 2-1 win over Avs
Matt Duchene scored at 11:42 of the second overtime after being involved in a play that led to a goal disallowed for goaltender interference in the first extra period, and the Dallas Stars advanced to the Western Conference final with a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 6 on Friday night.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Jesus is their saviour, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.
Hundreds walk backwards in downtown Montreal to symbolize the decline of LGBTQ2S+ rights
On Friday, hundreds gathered and walked backwards in the heart of Montreal to honour the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
Thousands are expected to rally on Washington's National Mall in support of Palestinian rights
Thousands of protesters are expected to turn out for a rally in the American capital Saturday in support of Palestinian rights and an immediate end to Israeli military operations in Gaza.