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Avi Lewis elected new NDP leader amid party struggles
Canada's left-wing New Democratic Party (NDP) has selected former journalist and activist Avi Lewis as its new leader following a disappointing federal election performance. Lewis secured 56% of the vote in a first-round victory on Sunday, outpacing Member of Parliament Heather McPherson and three other contenders.
A platform for revival
Lewis campaigned on a sweeping progressive agenda aimed at revitalizing the party. Key proposals include bolstering worker protections in the era of artificial intelligence, halting new oil and gas pipelines, and exploring state-run, non-profit grocery stores to combat rising living costs.
In his victory speech in Winnipeg, the 58-year-old leader framed his mission as a fight against economic inequality. "Every politician claims to feel your pain over soaring prices, but few dare to ask why an economy rigged for the wealthy leaves most Canadians behind," he stated.
Rebuilding a diminished party
The NDP, once Canada's official opposition in 2011, now holds just six seats in the House of Commons after losing 17 in the 2025 election-10 to Conservatives and seven to Liberals. A Nanos poll from March 20 shows the party trailing both major parties with only 12% voter support.
The party's decline prompted the resignation of former leader Jagmeet Singh, the first Sikh Canadian to head a major federal party. Despite federal setbacks, the NDP remains in power provincially in British Columbia and Manitoba, where Premier Wab Kinew enjoys a 61% approval rating-the highest among Canadian premiers.
Challenges ahead
Lewis faces an uphill battle to reconnect with voters. A recent Angus Reid poll revealed that a quarter of former NDP supporters view the party as "irrelevant," while 40% believe its best days are over. Many voters also struggled to name any leadership candidates, highlighting the party's visibility crisis.
Adding to the party's woes, Lori Idlout, an NDP MP from Nunavut, defected to Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals earlier this month. While Idlout endorsed Lewis before switching parties, she cited a desire to join a "strong and ambitious government" as her reason for leaving.
A political legacy and new direction
Lewis brings a storied political pedigree to the role. His grandfather, David Lewis, was a founding NDP member and its leader in the 1970s, while his father, Stephen Lewis, led the Ontario NDP. Avi Lewis himself is a former CBC and Al Jazeera English journalist, describing himself as a "veteran journalist, educator, and activist with 35 years of movement-building experience."
His spouse, Naomi Klein, is a prominent author and activist known for works like This Changes Everything on climate change. Together, they co-authored the Leap Manifesto in 2015, advocating for systemic changes to address climate change, economic inequality, racism, and colonialism.
Policy priorities and criticism
Lewis's platform includes a wealth tax, expanded public childcare and healthcare, and a plan to build one million affordable homes. He has also criticized free trade agreements, arguing they have "killed hundreds of thousands of jobs" and left Canada vulnerable to pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.
However, his stance on oil and gas has drawn internal criticism. Former Alberta NDP minister Shannon Phillips warned that his position could alienate voters in oil-rich provinces. Lewis has also faced questions about his electability, having lost two previous bids in Vancouver in 2021 and 2025.
Next steps
Though Lewis does not currently hold a seat in Parliament, he can assume leadership immediately. He is expected to run in the next federal election or a by-election. Until then, he will be unable to participate directly in parliamentary debates.
"Canada, mark your calendar: the NDP comeback starts now," Lewis declared. "This is about building a government that works for the many, not the money."
