Avi Lewis, the newly appointed leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), is strategically steering his focus away from seeking a seat in the House of Commons. Instead, he is dedicated to revitalising the party’s fortunes ahead of upcoming by-elections. Lewis has spent the past three weeks in Montreal, canvassing with local candidates and honing his French language skills, all as part of a broader strategy to prepare the NDP for the electoral challenges ahead.
A Measured Approach to Leadership
Since taking the helm of the NDP following a disappointing performance in the 2025 federal election, Lewis has emphasised the importance of building a robust party infrastructure. With multiple by-elections on the horizon, he has made it clear that his priority is to ensure the NDP is election-ready rather than pursuing personal political ambitions at this time. “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 acknowledges the need for a “litmus test” to determine when the time is right for him to enter the race himself, suggesting that this will come either in the lead-up to the next general election or during the election itself.
Campaigning in Montreal
During his weeks in Montreal, Lewis has been actively campaigning alongside NDP candidates Pierre Céré and Nima Machouf, who are contesting the Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie and Laurier-Ste-Marie ridings respectively. His commitment to the area extends beyond mere appearances; he is immersing himself in the language, undergoing intensive French lessons that focus on political dialogue.
In a recent lesson, Lewis even analysed interviews from Quebec media to better understand the nuances of political communication in the province. His efforts reflect an understanding of the NDP’s historical context, particularly the party’s previous successes in Quebec, which he aims to replicate. “Former leader Jack Layton’s appearance on the program during the 2011 election campaign is widely credited with helping to drive the NDP’s breakthrough in the province,” Lewis remarked, highlighting the significance of effective communication.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The NDP’s representation in the House of Commons has dwindled alarmingly—down to just five members following defections and losses in the last election. This situation has left the party without a significant voice in parliamentary committees, a scenario that Lewis is determined to change. “The caucus and NDP supporters don’t want me tied to Ottawa when I can be out knocking on doors,” he explained.
Lewis attributes the NDP’s electoral decline last year to a combination of factors, including widespread anxiety stemming from the U.S.-led trade wars. He senses a growing discontent among voters, particularly those who supported the Liberals in the last election, due to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s policies, including his approach to climate change and military spending. “There are lots of progressive Liberals who are ready to come over,” Lewis asserted, expressing optimism about flipping seats in the next election.
Engaging Young Voters
A key demographic that Lewis is keen to engage is young Canadians, who, he believes, are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the status quo. He noted that young people are particularly concerned about pressing issues like the housing crisis and climate change. “If we can excite young people to actually go out and vote, which they don’t do in the same numbers that other demographics do, there could be a big surprise coming,” he said.
His strategy includes addressing issues that resonate with progressive values, including condemning military actions in the Middle East and advocating for green energy solutions over fossil fuel expansion.
Why it Matters
Lewis’s approach signals a potential turning point for the NDP, as he seeks to reconnect with a core voter base that has felt neglected. His focus on grassroots campaigning and engagement with young voters could be pivotal in reshaping the party’s future in Canadian politics. By strategically positioning the NDP as a viable alternative to both the Liberals and Conservatives, Lewis aims to reclaim lost ground and reinvigorate support among progressives, laying the groundwork for a robust challenge in the next election cycle.
