Ashton said the NDP has wandered away from its base in favour of messaging with broad political appeal.

He pointed to the party focusing on the cost of groceries instead of improving wages or protecting jobs from automation.

“What are we doing to increase wages? What is the NDP doing to protect jobs?” Ashton said.

Ashton said unionized workers need a more aggressive NDP leader who isn’t afraid to vote against the governing party if they advance anti-worker policies.