September 19, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Filmmaker and journalist Avi Lewis has officially launched his bid for the federal NDP leadership, releasing a campaign video on social media Friday morning.
Lewis framed his candidacy as a response to what he called an “epic, historic” turning point for Canada, citing economic upheaval tied to U.S. tariff threats and growing dissatisfaction with the country’s two dominant parties.
“The two old parties are marching in lockstep, as they have so many times before,” Lewis told The Canadian Press. “Right now, Canadians are way better off if there is a party that has a totally different diagnosis and a totally different bunch of solutions to the crisis that we’re in.”
In his announcement video, Lewis highlighted the rising cost of living, linking high food and cell bills to corporate concentration in grocery and telecommunications sectors. He pledged to pursue “public option” alternatives in both areas.
“We need the government to step in and actually solve those problems,” he said, proposing a publicly run grocery system and a public provider for phone, data, and internet services.
Lewis also tied worsening wildfires to decades of inaction by Liberal and Conservative governments on fossil fuel emissions, saying stronger climate action would be a core focus of his campaign.
Meanwhile, Alberta NDP MP Heather McPherson has been listed with Elections Canada as a registered leadership candidate, though she has not formally announced her candidacy. Her spokesperson declined to comment.
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