CTV Question Period with Vassy Kapelos Podcast CTV QP Podcast #523: The next leader of the NDP is chosen
Mar 29, 2026
Micael Johansson, Saab CEO, talks Gripen fighters, surveillance planes and possible Canadian manufacturing. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario finance minister, addresses the provincial budget, rising deficit and fiscal choices. Avi Lewis, journalist-turned-politician, celebrates his NDP leadership win and urges unity. Nick Nanos, veteran pollster, provides polling context. Rachel Aiello reports live from Winnipeg with convention updates.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Ambitious Platform From A Leader Without Electoral Record
- Lewis's platform mixes anti-pipeline policy, a wealth tax, rent caps, free transit and public options for groceries and telecoms.
- Aiello highlighted he has never held elected office and finished third in two federal runs, raising questions about getting a Commons seat.
NDP Lagging In Polls Despite Leadership Opportunity
- Polling places the NDP around 11 percent and squeezed between Liberals and Conservatives after a brutal 2025 election.
- Nick Nanos said leadership could be a growth lever but it remains an existential moment for the party to reclaim relevance.
Live Vote Count Confirms Decisive First Ballot Win
- The leadership count showed 70,930 valid votes with Avi Lewis receiving 39,734 votes, Heather McPherson 20,899, and others trailing far behind.
- The chief electoral officer formally announced Lewis as the new NDP leader live from Winnipeg.