In a decisive leadership contest, veteran journalist and activist Avi Lewis has been elected to lead Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP), securing 56% of the vote. His victory comes as the left-leaning party confronts its most challenging period in recent history, holding just six seats in the House of Commons following devastating losses in the 2025 federal election.
Lewis triumphed over Member of Parliament Heather McPherson and three other candidates with a campaign centered on radical economic transformation. His platform prioritizes worker protections in the AI era, halting all new oil and gas infrastructure, and establishing state-owned, non-profit grocery stores to combat soaring living costs.
Addressing supporters in Winnipeg, the 58-year-old leader delivered a fiery victory speech condemning Canada’s ‘rigged economy’ that benefits the wealthy while leaving working families behind. ‘Canada, mark your calendar: the NDP comeback starts now,’ declared Lewis, promising to build ‘a government that works for the many, not the money.’
The leadership transition follows the resignation of Jagmeet Singh, who stepped down after the NDP’s catastrophic election performance that saw the party lose 17 seats—10 to Conservatives and 7 to Liberals. Current polling places national support at just 12%, with a quarter of former voters considering the party ‘irrelevant’ according to recent Angus Reid data.
Despite federal struggles, the party maintains strong provincial presence, governing British Columbia and Manitoba where Premier Wab Kinew enjoys 61% approval ratings. Lewis himself faces governing challenges as an unelected leader, having lost parliamentary bids in Vancouver during both 2021 and 2025 elections. Party rules permit his leadership without a seat, though he cannot participate directly in House debates until securing election.
Lewis brings considerable name recognition and fundraising prowess—amassing C$1.2 million during his campaign—along with deep party roots. His grandfather David Lewis was among the NDP’s founding members and 1970s leader, while father Stephen Lewis led Ontario’s NDP. The new leader’s professional background includes journalism roles at CBC and Al Jazeera English, alongside activist credentials co-authoring The Leap Manifesto with wife Naomi Klein, the renowned author and social activist.
His policy agenda combines wealth taxation, affordable housing initiatives, and climate action with controversial energy positions that already face internal criticism. Former Alberta NDP minister Shannon Phillips warned Lewis’s anti-pipeline stance could alienate voters in oil-rich provinces, highlighting the balancing act required for national relevance.
The leadership victory coincides with fresh challenges including the recent defection of Nunavut MP Lori Idlout to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals, despite her initial endorsement of Lewis’s leadership bid.