OTTAWA — Filmmaker and political activist Avi Lewis officially launched his campaign for the federal New Democratic Party (NDP) leadership on Friday. He aims to revitalize the party with a left-wing populist agenda. In a campaign video filmed in Vancouver and Toronto, Lewis criticized a small group of corporations that dominate the economy and the Liberal and Conservative governments that support them.

"We’ve got three grocery chains, five banks, and a handful of oil and telecom giants making billions while people can’t afford food or rent. Liberals and Conservatives let it happen, then point fingers at immigrants to distract and divide us," Lewis stated. He emphasized the need for the NDP to return to its foundational principles and pledged to recruit tens of thousands of new members during the leadership race.

Lewis is the first prominent candidate to enter the race to succeed Jagmeet Singh, who resigned in April after the NDP experienced its worst electoral performance. His campaign has received official approval from the party.

Coming from a notable family in progressive Canadian politics, Lewis has a legacy to uphold. His grandfather, David Lewis, was a founder of the NDP, and his parents include former Ontario NDP leader Stephen Lewis and journalist Michele Landsberg. In 2015, he, along with his wife Naomi Klein and co-author Martin Lukacs, introduced the Leap Manifesto, which sparked significant internal debate within the party by advocating for a halt to new fossil fuel projects.

A long-time climate activist, Lewis has also worked as a broadcaster for CBC and Al Jazeera and teaches at the University of British Columbia. He has run unsuccessfully for Parliament twice in Vancouver, including in the recent election where the NDP was reduced to seven seats.

His campaign will focus on several key policies, including a wealth tax, national rent control, a public option for food and groceries, expanded public healthcare, and a Canadian Green New Deal aimed at creating millions of jobs while facilitating Canada’s energy transition.

In a recent interview, Lewis criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney’s plans to significantly increase military spending while cutting government expenditures, which he believes will lead to reductions in public services. "The lane is so open for the NDP, with the Conservatives and Liberals collaborating on a national agenda, (to be a) real alternative," he said.

Lewis also expressed that current issues are more about class divisions than ideological differences. "I think a useful frame right now is to think about the top versus the bottom, or more precisely, the top versus everyone else," he added.

Lewis is expected to face competition from several candidates, including Edmonton MP Heather McPherson, labor leader Rob Ashton, and former Vancouver Island MP candidate Tanille Johnston, who are reportedly preparing their own leadership bids. Additionally, Montreal activist Yves Engler and Ontario farmer Tony McQuail have announced their intentions to run for the leadership position.