Canada's left-leaning New Democratic Party (NDP) has chosen former journalist and activist Avi Lewis as their new leader, following major losses in the last federal election.
Lewis received 56% of the vote in a first ballot victory, defeating member of parliament Heather McPherson and three other candidates.
He ran on a platform to revive the struggling party, prioritising worker rights in the age of artificial intelligence, ending new oil and gas pipelines and projects, and exploring state-owned non-profit grocery stores.
Once the main opposition party in 2011, the NDP now holds only six seats in Canada's House of Commons.
At his victory speech on Sunday in Winnipeg, Lewis, 58, stated, I know every politician says they feel your pain... but what they won't talk about is why an economy that's rigged for the rich is leaving the vast majority of us behind. He emphasized unity in supporting Canadian workers and addressing the cost-of-living crisis.
Canada, mark your calendar: the NDP comeback starts now, Lewis proclaimed, highlighting the need for a government that works for the many, not just the wealthy.
The party's poor showing in the 2025 election led to the resignation of its former leader, Jagmeet Singh. The NDP experienced a loss of 17 seats, significantly trailing behind the Conservatives and Liberals in voter support.
Despite its federal challenges, the NDP has provincial support and governs in British Columbia and Manitoba. Lewis asserted his commitment to restoring the party's influence in federal politics, noting the need to introduce himself to disenchanted former voters.
Born in Toronto, Lewis has a deep family legacy within the NDP and has been active in movements for economic and social change. He is married to prominent activist Naomi Klein and has been a vocal critic of economic policies that disproportionately favor the wealthy.
With plans for a wealth tax and expanded public services, Lewis seeks to rejuvenate the NDP brand and reignite its relevance in Canadian politics.
