Avi Lewis Takes Helm of Canada's New Democratic Party

Sun Mar 29 2026 18:32:32 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The New Democratic Party of Canada elected Avi Lewis as their new leader, aiming to revive the party's fortunes post major election losses.

In a significant political shift, Avi Lewis, a former journalist and activist, has been elected as the new leader of Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP). With 56% of the vote in the first ballot, Lewis aims to rejuvenate the party’s image and focus on pressing issues like worker rights amid AI advancements and the need for affordable living solutions. The NDP faces challenges after substantial losses in the 2025 federal elections, holding only six seats in the House of Commons. Lewis's victory speech emphasized his commitment to fighting for the working people of Canada and initiating a comeback for the NDP.

Canada's left-leaning New Democratic Party (NDP) has chosen former journalist and activist Avi Lewis as their new leader, following a period of major losses in federal elections.

Lewis secured a decisive 56% of the vote in a first-ballot victory, defeating notable MP Heather McPherson and three other candidates.

His campaign platform focuses on revitalizing the party, placing emphasis on worker rights in the age of artificial intelligence, opposing new oil and gas pipeline projects, and considering state-owned, non-profit grocery stores.

Once a dominant political force, the NDP currently holds a mere six seats in Canada's House of Commons.

Addressing supporters in Winnipeg, the 58-year-old Lewis stated that the party is united in its mission to assist working Canadians amid escalating living costs.

I know every politician claims they feel your pain, but they often ignore the reasons why our economy is structured to benefit the affluent at the expense of the majority, Lewis commented.

He stated, Canada, mark your calendar: the NDP comeback starts now, emphasizing the need for unity and a government that serves the public rather than wealth interests.

Following a disappointing outcome in the 2025 elections, which resulted in the resignation of former leader Jagmeet Singh, the NDP is aiming to restore its standing, having lost 17 seats including 10 to the Conservatives and 7 to the Liberals. The party's current polling stands at just 12% among voters, according to a recent Nanos poll.

Despite the federal setbacks, the NDP still holds significant provincial influence, being the governing party in British Columbia and Manitoba, where Wab Kinew enjoys a 61% approval rating—the highest of any Canadian premier.

Lewis, who raised an impressive C$1.2 million during his campaign, can lead the party despite not having a seat in the House of Commons, although a future candidacy is expected.

Lewis comes from a family deeply rooted in the NDP's history. His grandfather was one of the party's founders, and he himself has been a prominent activist focused on social change.

In his leadership bid, he criticized corporate influence and urged for transformative policies aimed at addressing climate change and economic inequality. Supporters of his proposals liken them to initiatives pushed by progressive figures such as New York City's Mayor Zohran Mamdani.