Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi has cut ties with the federal NDP and its leader Jagmeet Singh.
Speaking with the Western Standard at his nomination meeting on Wednesday night, Nenshi said he has little in common with Singh — who has provoked the ire of Canadians for keeping Justin Trudeau in power and letting the clock tick to preserve his MP pension.
The Western Standard asked Nenshi, "What separates you from Jagmeet Singh?"
"Oh, just about everything," said Nenshi, who also spoke of his affinity with rural Albertans.
"You know, it's important for people to know that while we have some legal ties to the federal New Democratic Party, we are completely independent policy wise."
"And in fact, I think it's fair to say that I have spoken much more with the Government of Canada, cabinet ministers and the prime minister and to Mr. Poilievre than I have to Mr. Singh since I've been in this job."
Nenshi's political leanings are complex and have evolved over his career, particularly given his transition from being Calgary's mayor to leading the Alberta NDP.
During his tenure as mayor, he was often perceived as a centrist. His campaign was notably non-partisan, with his "purple" branding symbolizing a mix of red (liberal) and blue (conservative) ideologies.
