In an effort to revitalise the New Democratic Party (NDP) following a dismal performance in the 2025 federal elections, newly appointed leader Avi Lewis is prioritising grassroots campaigning over securing a parliamentary seat. With multiple by-elections looming in late August, Lewis is dedicating his time to supporting candidates in Montreal rather than running himself, as he believes the party must first demonstrate its readiness for a broader electoral fight.
A Measured Approach
Four months into his tenure, Lewis remains unhurried about finding a seat in the House of Commons. Instead, he has set his sights on preparing the NDP for future elections, emphasising the importance of running robust campaigns across Canada. “I think there will be a point in the next year where I feel we’re election-ready across the country. We want to run serious campaigns everywhere,” he stated during a recent interview in Montreal’s Plateau neighbourhood.
Lewis is acutely aware of the challenges facing the NDP, which was reduced to a mere seven seats in the last federal election. He acknowledges that his party’s visibility has diminished, particularly with the recent departures of Nunavut MP Lori Idlout, who joined the Liberals, and Alexandre Boulerice, who left to pursue a provincial seat. This has left the NDP with a sparse five-member caucus that lacks representation on parliamentary committees.
In preparation for the upcoming by-elections, Lewis has been actively campaigning with candidates Pierre Céré and Nima Machouf, who are vying for seats in the Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie and Laurier-Ste-Marie ridings, respectively. He has even taken daily French lessons to enhance his political communication skills, underscoring his commitment to engaging with constituents effectively.
The By-elections: A Crucial Test
With by-elections scheduled for August 31 in key ridings across Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, Lewis is acutely aware of the stakes involved. “Normally when you do French immersion, you go to Jonquière or Trois-Rivières, but I’ve made a real effort to stay in French here by knocking on doors,” he explained, reinforcing his determination to connect with voters at the grassroots level.
The NDP’s strategy hinges on reclaiming ground lost to both the Liberals and Conservatives. Lewis believes that there are signs of “buyer’s remorse” among progressive voters who supported the Liberals in 2025, particularly among those disillusioned by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s policies on artificial intelligence and fossil fuels. Recent polling data suggests that a significant number of former Liberal voters are now considering the NDP, especially those prioritising climate change as a political issue.
Engaging Younger Voters
One of Lewis’s primary goals is to engage younger Canadians who have been increasingly disenchanted with traditional political avenues. He notes that young people, facing challenges such as the unaffordable housing market and climate change, are beginning to look towards the NDP for solutions. “If we can excite young people to actually go out and vote, there could be a big surprise coming,” he remarked, suggesting that the NDP could reclaim votes previously lost to the Conservatives.
Lewis’s focus on young voters is particularly relevant given their historically lower turnout rates. He believes that by effectively addressing their concerns, the NDP can not only recapture their support but also challenge the narrative that votes for the NDP inadvertently bolster Conservative candidates.
A Strategic Shift
As the party gears up for the by-elections, Lewis is aware that the NDP’s ability to attract votes from both sides of the political spectrum could reshape the electoral landscape. “If we’re taking from both sides, the strategic voting argument just doesn’t work the same way,” he noted, suggesting that a broader appeal could weaken the Liberals’ position.
While the NDP has yet to finalise candidates for all the upcoming by-elections, Lewis is committed to ensuring that the party has a strong presence in each riding. He anticipates that the challenges ahead will provide a litmus test for the NDP’s resurgence.
Why it Matters
Avi Lewis’s strategic focus on grassroots campaigning and engaging with key demographics positions the NDP on the cusp of a potential revival. As the party prepares for the upcoming by-elections, its ability to resonate with disenchanted voters and articulate a compelling vision for Canada could prove pivotal in redefining its place within the political landscape. The stakes are high, and the outcome of these elections may significantly influence the NDP’s trajectory leading into future contests, marking a critical juncture for the party and its leadership.
