Avi Lewis, a leading contender for the federal NDP leadership, has proposed delaying his run for a parliamentary seat in favor of focusing on revitalizing the party if elected. Lewis shared his intentions with the press after a campaign event in Ottawa, emphasizing the need for the new leader to assess the party’s financial situation and readiness for future elections. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the party’s internal transition over immediate parliamentary presence.
The NDP faced a significant setback in the last election, with just seven MPs retaining their seats in the House of Commons. Former leader Jagmeet Singh’s loss prompted his resignation. Lewis, a political newcomer who previously ran unsuccessfully for a federal seat, has ruled out participating in upcoming byelections, including those in his hometown of Greater Toronto.
The race for the NDP leadership includes other candidates like Heather McPherson, the sole sitting MP in the contest, Rob Ashton, a national union leader, Tanille Johnston, the first Indigenous woman to vie for the position, and Tony McQuail, an environmentalist and farmer. Online voting for the new leader starts on Monday, with the winner set to be revealed on March 29.
Lewis has been actively campaigning across Canada, gathering support from notable figures like David Suzuki. He has been particularly focused on fundraising efforts to address the party’s financial challenges. During a recent event, Lewis utilized a QR code for donations and displayed a fundraising tracker to engage supporters.
Addressing Mark Carney’s statements on Iran, Lewis criticized the lack of clarity in the prime minister’s stance. He highlighted the importance of taking a firm position against participating in any illegal wars of aggression. Lewis emphasized the need for Canada to stand against conflicts that could lead to war crimes.
In the realm of foreign affairs, the NDP aims to strengthen its position, with candidates like McPherson advocating for a more assertive stance on international issues. Analysts believe that a well-defined foreign policy could differentiate the NDP from other parties and attract more support from voters concerned about Canada’s global stance.