Manitoba leadership hopeful hit back Wednesday after being criticized for reaching out to Winnipeg's ethnic communities to improve support for his bid prior to the Oct. 17 NDP leadership vote. (James Turner/CBC)

A visibly angry Steve Ashton shot back Wednesday over criticism he has been aggressively targeting new NDP members in Winnipeg's ethnic communities to bolster his chances of becoming the next premier of Manitoba.

Ashton and Greg Selinger are in a two-way race to become NDP leader. A leadership vote has been set for Oct. 17.

'I don't just go to the community for votes at election time.'—NDP leadership hopeful Steve Ashton

A new premier is needed after Gary Doer decided to step down to become Canada's next ambassador to the U.S.

During an impassioned speech at a delegates meeting Wednesday night at Stanley Knowles School in The Maples neighbourhood, Ashton denied any subterfuge in approaching the city's Greek, Filipino and Indo-Canadian communities for their support.

"I've seen accusations over the last few days that people don't know what they're signing up for, that they don't know the platforms of the party or what the party stands for," Ashton said to a diverse, standing-room-only crowd.

"Let no one question the motives or intentions of anyone in this room," Ashton said.

The leadership hopeful admitted he has asked many in these communities for their backing, but said it was only natural given his past support of their communities.

"I don't just go to the community for votes at election time," Ashton stormed.

He said any criticism of their support for his leadership is anti-democratic and hurtful to people who come from backgrounds where the right to vote and equality rights have often been hard-won.

"We all know discrimination is real," Ashton said. A massive cheer went up in the room after he said this.

Tuesday, he said if becomes premier he will advance a "dignity bill" to combat racism.

The legislation would ensure governments, workplaces and public establishments worked toward zero tolerance for discriminatory, demeaning or racist actions.

Ashton said the legislation would strengthen and expand Manitoba's human rights laws.

"No one should lecture anyone whether they know what politics is all about," Ashton said.

His rival sat listening to the speech without expression. When Ashton was through, Selinger was overheard telling him, "That was a barn-burner of a speech."