But a trio of NDP leadership hopefuls — Edmonton MP Heather McPherson, labour union leader Rob Ashton and organic farmer Tony McQuail — said on Monday that the Tories’ blue-collar boast rang hollow. McQuail said that, while the Conservatives may have some blue-collar voters drinking the “Kool-Aid” right now, he doesn’t think this support will be lasting. When blue-collar workers look at where the money’s actually going they’ll stop drinking that blue Kool-Aid,” said McQuail. Arnold noted that Conservatives hold a commanding lead with self-identified blue-collar voters, with 41 per cent saying they’re helping blue-collar people the most. “What (Lewis) said … basically calling all of us rapists … was definitely noticed up here — not least by Indigenous workers,” said Phillips.

Source: National Post February 03, 2026 10:41 UTC