After Woodsworth's death in 1942, a by-election held that year was won by Stanley Knowles of the CCF.
Out of parliament, Knowles went to work for the Canadian Labour Congress, and played a leading role in creating the alliance between the CLC and the CCF that led to the creation of the New Democratic Party (NDP) in 1961.
Knowles won Winnipeg North Centre for the NDP in the 1962 election, and held the riding until his retirement in 1984.
The NDP lost the riding in the 1988 election, however, when David Walker of the Liberal Party of Canada took the seat.
In the 1997 election, the NDP retook the riding (which since had its name changed to Winnipeg Centre) with Pat Martin becoming the MP.