Manitoba NDP leadership hopeful Wab Kinew has received another endorsement, this time from former NDP minister of labour Erna Braun.

Braun joins Becky Barrett and Nancy Allen as the third former labour minister to back Kinew for the top job.

Braun said in a release that Wab is the leader we need to represent NDP values today. She added that working with families needs their support, and Kinew has the full support of the labour movement. She added that he (Kinew) is uniting party elders while bringing in the next generation of thinkers and organizers and that he will make an excellent leader and an outstanding Premier.

Manitoba’s largest private-sector union also announced that they are throwing their support behind Kinew.

UFCW local 832 represents over 19,000 people across a variety of industries including retail, food processing, hospitality, security, industrial, support centres and healthcare.

Jeff Traeger, president of the union, says that they clearly see that Wab is the best choice to renew the NDP. He added that Kinew is dedicated, driven and is willing to fight for positive change for all Manitobans.

Barrett said that labour is under attack by the Pallister government, and that the labour movements’ message to New Democrats is clear: if you want to help us resist Pallister, support Wab. She added that the party needs a leader with integrity and passion for the future, and that Wab is that man.

Kinew said that with the support of the unions, the NDP will bring the party together to focus on righting the wrongs of this Conservative government, and bring Manitobans together to fight for stronger families, and better opportunities for every kid wanting to build a brighter future.

He also added that he is honoured to have the support of those on the front lines of the labour movement, and long-time leaders like Erna.