In this episode, we sit down with Rob Ashton — National President of ILWU Canada and candidate for federal NDP Leader — for a wide-ranging conversation about class politics, worker power, and what it would mean to elect a leader who comes from working class.We explore Ashton’s 30-year career as a longshoreman, how his background shapes his understanding of Canada’s working class, and why he believes the NDP must speak plainly, fight harder, and return to its roots. He discusses his vision for tackling economic inequality, ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share, and building a country where everyone has security and dignity. We also dig into the central pillars of his platform, including the Good Jobs Promise and Worker Power Plan.Finally, we talk about the state of the leadership race, what supporters can do to get involved, and — in a lighter moment — the eclectic soundtrack powering his cross-country tour.If you follow the NDP, labour politics, economic inequality, or the future direction of the Canadian left, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Topics include:NDP leadership race • Rob Ashton • working class politics • class war • economic inequality • tax fairness • labour movement • Good Jobs Promise • Worker Power Plan • union rights • housing affordability • corporate landlords • co-op and non-profit housing • rent control • economic sovereignty • affordability crisis • political elites • Canadian politics 2025 • progressive politics • federal NDPWhere to Find Us:Social Accounts:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProgressCanadaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/progress_canada_podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/progresscanadapodcastBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/progresscanada.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/progress-canada/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@progress_canada_podcast Podcast Platforms:RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/1027adaac/podcast/rss Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Etut7tXvL8yN4PjQ96pHH?si=7d80390f146a4f07Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8dfa624c-13a8-4268-a977-b3bc509b6cd7/progress-canadaApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/progress-canada/id1802911774 YouTube Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/@ProgressCanada/podcasts