OTTAWA — Winnipeg voters can expect a fierce battle in the city’s Elmwood—Transcona riding as voters head to the polls today in a federal byelection.

The NDP expects to hold the seat that has been orange for most of the last 30 years despite a fierce challenge from a Conservative party that has been intent on growing its appeal to working Canadians.

Philippe Fournier of 338Canada.com, which publishes electoral projections, told the National Post that the federal New Democrats should hold the seat but the margin of victory will send an important signal about the health of the party.