Avi Lewis has run twice unsuccessfully as a federal NDP candidate.Supplied
Avi Lewis will launch a bid to become leader of the federal New Democrats on Friday morning, according to his campaign manager.
Mr. Lewis, who is an activist, documentary filmmaker and former TV host, will make the announcement through a video posted to social media platforms and his leadership website, the campaign manager, Savhanna Wilson, said in an e-mailed statement.
The campaign will focus on “returning the NDP to its roots,” Ms. Wilson said. The official campaign launch will take place in Toronto next week.
Mr. Lewis’s roots in the NDP run deep: He is the son of former Ontario leader and diplomat Stephen Lewis and the grandson of former federal leader and architect of the party David Lewis. He is married to activist and author Naomi Klein.
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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.
Other people thought to be considering leadership bids include Alberta MP Heather McPherson and International Longshore & Warehouse Union Canada president Rob Ashton. Montreal-based activist and author Yves Engler has also said he plans to run.
The race kicked off earlier this month, and the winner will be announced on March 29, at the party’s convention in Winnipeg. Candidates must raise an entry fee of $100,000, paid in three installments, and collect signatures from 500 members. Those signatures must meet a number of criteria, including being from different areas of the country and having a certain percentage from equity-seeking groups.
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