Avi Lewis, a leading contender for the federal NDP leadership, has hinted that if elected, he would delay seeking a parliamentary seat to focus on party revitalization. Lewis shared this strategy with the press after a campaign gathering in Ottawa on Thursday evening.
He emphasized the importance of the incoming leader tackling the party’s financial challenges and ensuring swift election preparedness over prioritizing a presence in Parliament, especially given the party’s limited resources following its disappointing performance in the previous election.
The New Democrats faced their worst electoral outcome last April, with only seven MPs retaining their seats in the House of Commons. Former leader Jagmeet Singh’s defeat led to his resignation. Lewis, a political newcomer who previously ran unsuccessfully for federal office, stated that he would not participate in any upcoming byelections, including those in the Greater Toronto Area, his hometown.
The online voting process for the new NDP leader is set to commence on Monday, with the winner to be revealed on March 29. Alongside Lewis, other contenders include Heather McPherson, the sole current MP in the race, Rob Ashton, a prominent union leader, Tanille Johnston, the first Indigenous woman vying for the position, and Tony McQuail, an environmentally conscious farmer.
Lewis has been actively campaigning across Canada, rallying notable support and engaging in robust fundraising efforts to alleviate the party’s financial burdens. He emphasized straightforward communication and moral clarity in his platform, particularly on critical issues such as the situation in Gaza. Lewis also criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney’s ambiguous stance on potential involvement in the Iran conflict, calling for a clear rejection of participation in any unlawful military actions.
The NDP’s engagement in foreign affairs has historically been perceived as lacking by voters, according to polls analyst Éric Grenier. However, Lewis’s direct approach and McPherson’s prior vocal opposition to the Gaza conflict as the former NDP foreign affairs critic could help the party establish a distinct stance on international issues, potentially setting them apart from the Conservatives and Liberals.
Lewis’s campaign, characterized by its candid messaging and strong grassroots support, aims to reshape the party’s image and priorities in alignment with the concerns of everyday Canadians.
[Original source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/avi-lewis-ndp-campaign-seat-byelection-gaza-iran-9.7118111)
