Avi Lewis has run twice unsuccessfully as a federal NDP candidate.Supplied
Avi Lewis has officially launched his bid to become leader of the federal New Democrats, promising policies such as a wealth tax, a national cap on rent increases and a public option for groceries.
In a video posted to social media channels and his leadership website, Mr. Lewis also references expanding the public health care system and implementing a Canadian Green New Deal similar to the congressional resolution in the United States to fight climate change.
Mr. Lewis is an activist, documentary filmmaker and former TV host. He is also married to activist and author Naomi Klein.
Alberta MP Heather McPherson and International Longshore & Warehouse Union Canada president Rob Ashton are listed as leadership candidates with Elections Canada. Ms. McPherson has not yet officially declared, and a spokesperson said she was unavailable for an interview.
Mr. Ashton did not immediately respond to questions from The Globe about whether he was running. However, he recently launched a website to measure support.
Ontario farmer Tony McQuail has also said he will run, as has Montreal-based activist and author Yves Engler.
Mr. Lewis is promising to return the party to its roots, which he knows well. He is the son of former Ontario NDP leader Stephen Lewis and the grandson of David Lewis, a founder and former leader of the federal party.
In a statement announcing his leadership bid, Mr. Lewis blamed cost-of-living challenges on corporate monopolies and his political opponents.
“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. People are fed up, and they want an NDP that fights for them. That’s why I’m running.”
The statement added that he plans to run a campaign aimed at signing up tens of thousands of new party members. His official campaign launch will take place in Toronto next week.
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The federal NDP was reduced to seven seats in the last federal election. Mr. Lewis has run twice unsuccessfully as a federal NDP candidate. Most recently, he challenged Liberal incumbent Hedy Fry in the riding of Vancouver Centre.
The leadership race kicked off earlier this month, and the winner will be announced March 29 at the party’s convention in Winnipeg.
Candidates must raise an entry fee of $100,000, paid in three instalments, and collect signatures from 500 members. Those signatures must meet a number of criteria; for instance, they must be from different areas of the country and must have a certain percentage from equity-seeking groups.