Power & Politics Will Avi Lewis's leadership revive or break the NDP?
9 snips
Mar 30, 2026 
Avi Lewis, filmmaker and activist newly elected NDP leader, outlines public options, housing expansion, and limits on fossil fuel growth. Brad Levine, former NDP national campaign director, analyzes party unity and strategy. Gregor Robertson, federal housing and infrastructure minister, discusses funding and development-charge reforms. Stephen Lecce, Ontario energy minister, covers critical minerals, U.S. advocacy, and continental energy messaging.
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Public Options Not Blanket Nationalization
- Avi Lewis frames public options as targeted public enterprises rather than blanket nationalization to lower costs for essentials like groceries and telecoms.
- He proposes 50 publicly owned grocery stores and regional hubs to cut prices 30–45% and won support from diverse sign-ups during the leadership race.
Public Building As Housing Solution
- Lewis argues markets alone won't fix the housing crisis and calls for public developers and construction companies to build non-market homes.
- He cites the Canada Mortgage Agency's shortfall and stalled housing starts as evidence the market approach failed.
Talk To Provincial Leaders Not Through Media
- Lewis urges dialogue with provincial NDP leaders and suggests collaborating on shared priorities like groceries and housing instead of fighting through the media.
- He emphasizes maintaining his mandate while inviting provincial cooperation and long conversations.