NDP Leader Tom Mulcair has been arranging his team ahead of the next federal election. In the changes, Churchill MP, Niki Ashton has been promoted to Aboriginal Affairs critic for the federal NDP shadow cabinet.

Previously the critic for the status of women, Ashton says she is excited and honoured for her new role, as it’s an area that is close to her heart. She says she looks forward to working with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people, and speak out for fairness and justice in her riding and across Canada. 

Ashton’s riding, which includes Thompson, has the largest First Nations populations of any in the country.