Power & Politics Will Avi Lewis be the NDP's next leader?
Mar 27, 2026
Avi Lewis, filmmaker and activist running for federal NDP leadership, speaks about his campaign momentum and fundraising. He defends principled critiques amid party tensions. He discusses opposing new fossil-fuel development while addressing worker transitions. He outlines plans for rebuilding the party and timing a return to Parliament.
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Campaign Momentum And Shared Policy Focus
- Avi Lewis frames his campaign as momentum-driven with over $1M raised and a large volunteer base, claiming energized membership despite many voting remotely.
- He emphasizes focusing the party on cost-of-living and inequality, arguing those shared priorities can unite New Democrats across regions.
Principled Critiques Versus Party Unity
- Lewis says his criticisms of provincial NDPs were rooted in principle, not division, and insists New Democrats historically debate while sharing core values on inequality.
- He centers his pitch on taxing wealthy corporations and reversing austerity to address affordability and social safety net erosion.
End Fossil Fuels Framed As Security And Economic Risk
- On oil and jobs, Lewis argues fossil fuels destabilize geopolitics, inflate prices, and drive climate breakdown, so Canada must transition beyond boom-bust extraction.
- He acknowledges 150,000 direct oil-and-gas workers deserve respect while advocating a managed shift to renewables and policies like heat pumps and solar for new homes.