Manitoba NDP MLA Uzoma Asagwara will be nominated as the New Democrats’ candidate in Union Station constituency today, surrounded by Union Station residents, family and friends, and their NDP colleagues.

“I’ve loved representing Union Station and the incredible community that calls it home. I hope to continue serving this community and all Manitobans for another term,” said Asagwara. “Over the last few years I’ve been proud to fight back against the Conservatives’ cuts, especially when it comes to their cuts to nurses, health care services and patient care.”

Asagwara is the first queer Black person to win a seat in the Manitoba Legislature, and Manitoba’s first gender non-conforming MLA. Prior to their election, Asagwara worked as a psychiatric nurse in Winnipeg, giving them an excellent perspective of the health care system and a deep understanding of the needs of health care workers and patients.

Asagwara serves as the NDP’s Critic for Health, Seniors and Active Living. They became an active critic to the PC’s pandemic mismanagement and health care cuts, including ignoring the advice of nurses, doctors and health experts. Asagwara has championed health care issues, supporting nurses fighting for a fair contract, pushing for a Senior’s Advocate to protect loved ones, and fighting to get the profit out of the long-term care system. Recently, Asagwara joined NDP Leader Wab Kinew to call for an independent inquiry into the PC’s pandemic response.

In the House, Asagwara passed a bill to celebrate Manitoba’s Somali community and their heritage. They also introduced legislation to allow gender-neutral government identification. In their community, Asagwara helped set up COVID-19 vaccine appointments for residents and volunteered at mobile vaccine clinics.

“Brian Pallister may be gone, but his PC government will continue trying to cut health care and attack health care workers. The people of Union Station can count on me to fight for them,” said Asagwara. “Today is the first step towards the next election. The NDP, led by Wab Kinew, is ready to take on the Conservatives and form a government that works for all of us.”