Judy Klassen has officially thrown her hat in the ring.

 

The Liberal MLA, who represents the Keewatinook riding, has filed her papers with the Federal Liberal Party, and is seeking the nomination to run in the upcoming federal election against Niki Ashton.

 

Klassen says that Justin Trudeau and the federal government have made much-needed investments into Truth and Reconciliation initiatives, as well as significant investments in the Nor-Man economy.

 

She added that Manitoba’s north needs these investments now more than ever, and that “Prime Minister Trudeau and the Federal Liberals are the only choice to ensure that the north continues to see this much-needed investment and work for truth and reconciliation within our indigenous communities.”

 

When it comes to her potential opponent, Klassen said that it will be a challenge race against Ashton, who has represented the Nor-Man region for over a decade, but that “ the time of Ashton family representation in the north is over and that it’s now time for representation and leadership that can get results for the region.”

 

Klassen, who first entered politics in the 2016 Manitoba election, still has to be formally nominated as the Liberal candidate for the riding before any potential race against Ashton, while there has not yet been any word on a Conservative Party candidate.

 

The federal election is scheduled for October.