Avi Lewis: A future for the 99 per cent

Just a few weeks ago, New Democratic Party of Canada members gathered in Winnipeg to choose a new leader. The overwhelming sense of excitement and optimism I have felt since we came together at the convention has not left me.

It’s with deep honour and enthusiasm that I share my heartfelt congratulations to our new NDP leader, Avi Lewis. Avi brings 35 years of challenging power and advancing working-class politics across Canada through his experience as a veteran journalist, educator and activist. Avi has deep roots in progressive politics as the son of Stephen Lewis, grandson of David Lewis, and the husband of Naomi Klein.

I was proud to endorse Avi early on because I supported and recognized his bold, progressive, and democratic agenda. I look forward to working with Avi as we rebuild our party to make room for everyone who believes in social, economic and racial justice.

It was inspiring to join this new wave of energy spreading throughout Canada and culminating in Winnipeg. You could feel the excitement in the air at the RBC Convention Centre and see the energy in the numbers. We broke party fundraising records and welcomed thousands of members at convention, including a record youth turnout, showing that the future of the NDP is bright.

There was no better place to gather for convention than in Winnipeg Centre, known for its roots in leading progressive change. I was filled with pride each time an attendee shared that they loved our neighbourhood, had a fantastic meal at a local spot, or was impacted by an exhibit at one of our renowned museums.

We heard from labour leaders as they recommitted to working with the NDP to empower working people. I had the honour of introducing Bea Bruske, the leader of the Canadian Labour Congress.

In our policy discussions, delegates spoke to some of the most urgent issues we are facing, such as stopping the Liberals’ attacks on workers’ rights, the urgency of electoral reform, the climate crisis, rising global instability and a failure of this current government to uphold international law.

Meanwhile, people are struggling just to get by. I am impressed by Avi Lewis’s strong commitment to addressing the everyday crises of rising costs and stagnant incomes. He is a movement-driven leader who has come at the right time. Avi, alongside the NDP, is ready to fight for bold solutions that match the scale of the crises we face, such as:

• A tax plan for the 99 per cent that taxes the ultra-rich to raise the floor for all of us;

• Reclaiming housing for the people through a public builder to deliver the affordable housing we need;

• Saving and expanding healthcare that covers you from head to toe;

• A Green New Deal that addresses climate and economic crises at once;

• A public option for groceries that will stop corporate price gouging; and,

• Saving jobs by democratizing workplaces and reining in artificial intelligence.

Avi’s powerful campaign has shown a sense of collective joy in grassroots, human rights and worker-centred politics, something we’ve desperately needed a return to. This is just the beginning of a new and powerful vision for Canada, one that prioritizes the many, not the money.