As the New Democratic Party (NDP) gears up for crucial by-elections, Leader Avi Lewis remains steadfast in his strategy to revitalise the party rather than pursue a seat in the House of Commons. With the NDP having suffered significant losses in the last federal election, Lewis is dedicating his efforts to campaigning alongside local candidates rather than seeking immediate personal electoral success. His approach reflects a prioritisation of party readiness over individual ambitions.
Rebuilding the NDP: A Strategic Approach
Four months into his leadership, Lewis is focused on laying the groundwork for the NDP’s future. Despite running and losing in Vancouver during both the 2021 and 2025 elections, he is determined to ensure that the party is election-ready before he contemplates standing for office himself. “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 in a recent interview in Montreal’s Plateau neighbourhood.
The NDP is preparing for three significant by-elections scheduled for August 31 in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. While Lewis will actively support candidates Pierre Céré and Nima Machouf in the Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie and Laurier-Ste-Marie ridings, he will not be on the ballot. His focus remains on mobilising party resources and voter engagement.
A Focus on Language and Communication
During his time in Montreal, Lewis has embraced the challenge of improving his French language skills, recognising the importance of effective communication in Quebec politics. He has committed to daily lessons, emphasising political discourse and communication strategies. His efforts were evident during a recent lesson, where he analysed his performance in a Radio-Canada interview, receiving feedback on his pronunciation and phrasing.
Lewis’s dedication to mastering French highlights his understanding of the NDP’s historical connections in Quebec, particularly recalling former leader Jack Layton’s impactful appearances during the 2011 election campaign. As he campaigns in Montreal, Lewis aims to resonate with voters by addressing contemporary issues, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the pressing need for climate action.
The NDP’s Path Forward
The NDP’s recent electoral performance has left it with just five seats in the House of Commons, diminishing its influence in parliamentary committees and question periods. Lewis has attributed the party’s decline to external factors, notably the anxiety stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies, which he believes contributed to a shift in voter sentiment towards the Liberals.
However, Lewis observes a potential shift among voters who previously supported the Liberals but are now expressing regret. He noted a recent Angus Reid poll indicating that one in six former Liberal voters now considers supporting the NDP, with climate change being their primary concern. This presents a unique opportunity for the NDP to reclaim support by aligning its platform with the values and priorities of these voters.
Additionally, Lewis sees a resurgence of interest from younger Canadians, particularly those grappling with the challenges of housing affordability and climate change. He emphasised the importance of engaging this demographic, which historically has lower voter turnout rates. “If we can excite young people to actually go out and vote… there could be a big surprise coming,” he remarked.
Navigating the By-Elections
As the NDP prepares for the upcoming by-elections in Beaches-East York, North Vancouver-Capilano, and Chicoutimi-Le Fjord, Lewis faces the challenge of fielding candidates in a compressed timeline. He acknowledged that while the party initially intended to have full nomination contests, the summer call for by-elections by Prime Minister Mark Carney has necessitated a more rapid response, potentially involving appointed candidates.
The outcomes of these by-elections will serve as a litmus test for Lewis’s claims of a party on the rebound. His strategy of appealing to progressive voters across the political spectrum could prove instrumental in regaining lost ground against both the Liberals and Conservatives.
Why it Matters
Avi Lewis’s commitment to rebuilding the NDP reflects a broader narrative of political resilience in the face of adversity. By prioritising the party’s long-term viability over immediate electoral gains, he is laying the groundwork for a potential resurgence in support. As Canadians grapple with pressing issues such as climate change and economic uncertainty, the NDP’s ability to redefine its message could resonate with disillusioned voters, making these by-elections a critical juncture for the party’s future. The NDP’s performance in the upcoming contests may well indicate whether Lewis’s strategic choices are paving the way for a new chapter in Canadian politics.
