Her political tour across the prairies also has a deeper personal meaning for Niki Ashton.

A New Democratic Party (NDP) member of parliament in Manitoba's Churchill-Keewatinook Aski district, Ashton visited Weyburn this week as part of her prairie tour. 

She is also a candidate in the federal NDP leadership race.

"When we said where are we going to go first, it was no question the prairies would be the first place," Ashton said.

Previously, Ashton served the province when Saskatchewan had no NDP members of parliament.

But, the legacy of Tommy Douglas was the cherry on the pie.

"For me, Weyburn has a special place in my heart and for many new democrats given Tommy Douglas' roots there, given the (Co-operative Commonwealth Federations)'s roots there, so it was a very special meeting, not only to be able to meet New Democrats but also have a chance to visit the archives as well."

On Tuesday evening, Ashton gathered with local supporters giving them the chance to have their voices heard at the federal level.

Discussion topics involved economic challenges, inequality and what direction local members would like the federal party to take.

"We need a strong, bold, progressive party that speaks to the need for good jobs, the need to tackle inequality and the need to stand up for communities like Weyburn," she said.