Several candidates step up to replace Gord Mackintosh in St. Johns

Since Gord Mackintosh announced he is not seeking re-election, a number of Winnipeggershave come forward to say theyare considering a run at the nomination.

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TylerPearce, director of communications for the Canadian Mental Health Association, was one of the first to express interest, even though she admits, New Democrats have an uphill battle ahead of them to hold onto the constituency.

"[The NDP]can be called a sinking ship, but I think the evidence says otherwise and the other thing is, I believe in what the policies and the strategic investments they have made," saidPearce.

Aaron McDowell is also up for the job.

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McDowell is assistant to Ross Eadie, Mynarskiward city councillor, and has held the position since 2010. In 2011, he ran for the NDP in Morden-Winkler.

"Alot of people are really concerned, including myself, about some of the policy ideas that are coming from the Liberals and the Conservatives,"McDowell said.

He added he's not concerned about the NDP's slump in thepolls.

"The only poll that matters is on election day," saidMcDowell.

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On Sunday, Suzanne Hrynyk said she was considering a run for the NDP in St. Johns and on Wednesday, she said she is on board.

Hrynyk, a nurse, is a former school board trustee and she ran for the NDP in the last federalelection.

Nahanni Fontainesaid she is thinking about running for the NDP in St. Johns, too.

Fontaine is an indigenous activist who works as thespecial advisor on aboriginal women's issues for the Manitoba government.

She isat the forefront of raising awareness about Canada's crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, providing support for families and at timestravelling with them to learn about a planned federal inquiry into the issue.

NathanMartindale, president of the Winnipeg Teachers' Association, said he was considering running for the NDP in St. Johns but hasdecided not to.

The date for nominating anNDP candidate in St. Johns has yet to be set.

The provincial election is scheduled for April 19.