NDP Leader Avi Lewis has spent his first 100 days leading the party outside of Parliament and isn’t planning to seek a seat anytime soon.
Since his election in March, the leader without a seat also seems to have made little progress in establishing himself among Canadians.
Recent polling from Abacus Data revealed that a quarter of Canadians don’t know enough about Lewis to form an opinion. An additional 31 percent feel neutral towards him.
“One hundred days into his leadership, Mr. Lewis remains largely unknown and unfamiliar to most Canadians,” said Abacus Data CEO David Coletto.
Abacus found that 17 percent of Canadians have a positive impression of Lewis, which shows no change from early April polling.
“He hasn’t yet, I think, done anything to expand his presence and reach audiences outside of the party and those he engaged during his leadership election,” Coletto stated.
The survey also indicated that 34 percent of Canadians would consider voting NDP in July, which is nearly unchanged from 35 percent in early April.
Abacus surveyed 2,366 Canadian adults between June 25 and July 2. It noted a margin of error for a comparable random sample would be 2.02 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Before winning the party’s leadership role, Lewis unsuccessfully ran twice for the federal NDP: first in West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country in 2021 and then in Vancouver Centre in 2025. He finished third both times.
Last week, the NDP informed that Lewis won’t be running in any of the seven byelections expected over the coming months.
WATCH | Former NDP MP says Lewis should run for a seat:
‘You gotta run’: Ex-MP says NDP Leader Avi Lewis should be in Parliament
While NDP Leader Avi Lewis has mentioned he’s not rushing to secure a seat in the House of Commons, former New Democrat MP Charlie Angus suggested that the new leader needs to demonstrate he can win: ‘I know there are few opportunities available, but people are voting for a leader who should be present in the House.’
Both Coletto and polls analyst Éric Grenier noted that this decision isn’t surprising because losing so early could undermine his position as leader.
A victory would provide much-needed visibility for both Lewis and the party, Grenier remarked.
“He’d be in the House of Commons, asking questions and entering media discussions every day,” he pointed out.
WATCH | Lewis says running for office not the primary focus:
Can new NDP leader Avi Lewis unite the party?
Chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton spoke with Avi Lewis on what his leadership victory means for New Democrats moving forward and how he plans to rebuild and unify the party.
Lewis told CBC’s Rosemary Barton on leadership night that while running for office is “very important, but it’s not our top priority right now” adding that “we have significant work ahead.”
Strategist and former NDP MP Matthew Dubé mentioned that getting a seat must eventually factor into their rebuilding strategy.
“It doesn’t have to happen immediately, but there needs to be some plan if they’re not going after it this time,” Dubé stated.
Opposition Leader Jack Layton speaks with Heather Hiscox regarding Parliament’s return on Network.
<p Brad Lavigne-who managed campaigns during layton's tenure-expressed support towards lewis' choice regarding upcoming byelections too saying “The main focus lies within preparing ourselves adequately ahead toward future general elections.”
<p This involves traversing across regions connecting communities building robust riding associations crafting engaging policy initiatives along with ensuring accountability from existing government institutions.”
<p He highlighted how Layton traveled nationwide over one-and-a-half years preceding being elected during general elections held back then (in ‘04).“That approach builds momentum,” Lavigne noted.
Can new NDP leader Avi Lewis unite the party?
Chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton spoke with Avi Lewis on what his leadership victory means for New Democrats moving forward and how he plans to rebuild and unify the party.
Lewis told CBC’s Rosemary Barton on leadership night that while running for office is “very important, but it’s not our top priority right now” adding that “we have significant work ahead.”
Strategist and former NDP MP Matthew Dubé mentioned that getting a seat must eventually factor into their rebuilding strategy.
“It doesn’t have to happen immediately, but there needs to be some plan if they’re not going after it this time,” Dubé stated.
So what’s next?
“Avi Lewis will run for a seat; there’s no debate about that,” stated an official from the NDP. A party spokesperson wouldn’t confirm whether he’d run before the next general election. “For now, his job isn’t just chasing one vacancy but rebuilding our party outside Parliament so we can elect many more New Democrats when we go back into elections,” added their statement. “He’ll run when we believe we’ve achieved this goal.” This task of rebuilding is quite challenging for Lewis since their federal party currently lacks official status in Ottawa with its five-MP caucus at an all-time low.The long game ahead
The party noted three out of four previous NDP leaders didn’t hold seats when elected.< p Jack Layton was one example; becoming NDP leader back in 2003 before steering them towards their best-ever outcome by forming Official Opposition during elections held in 2011 before passing away due to cancer later that same year. WATCH | Layton’s first day as Opposition leader:Opposition Leader Jack Layton speaks with Heather Hiscox regarding Parliament’s return on Network.
<p Brad Lavigne-who managed campaigns during layton's tenure-expressed support towards lewis' choice regarding upcoming byelections too saying “The main focus lies within preparing ourselves adequately ahead toward future general elections.”
