The New Democratic Party is gearing up to reclaim its only remaining seat in Quebec, which was recently vacated by Alexandre Boulerice. This will happen during one of two byelections coming up in Montreal, although the exact dates haven’t been set yet. However, Avi Lewis isn’t expecting a repeat of the 2011 Orange Wave that brought incredible success to the party under Jack Layton’s leadership.
“The media made a big fuss about Alexandre leaving” to run provincially for Québec solidaire, said Lewis, who became NDP leader in March. “People have been focusing on the idea that we’ve lost our last seat in Quebec, but honestly, it was just a remnant of la vague orange, and I think it’s healthy to move on from that nostalgia.”
“Lightning doesn’t strike twice in exactly the same way – or very often. We need to find new ways to win.”
Former NDP leader Jack Layton, seen on Saturday, May 28, 2011, helped his party gain historic ground in Quebec. Dave Sidaway / The Gazette
Lewis enjoyed some pho noodles with The Gazette in July while wrapping up a month-long stay in Montreal where he took daily French lessons and went door-to-door with candidates Pierre Céré and Nimâ Machouf. They’re running for Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie (where Boulerice now sits as an independent) and Laurier-Sainte-Marie respectively.
“Byelections can be quirky,” Lewis noted. “A solid ground game can really make a difference when turnout is typically lower as it usually is during byelections. Plus, these elections will likely occur right after a provincial election in Quebec, which complicates things – especially since mainstream media tends to overlook leftist voices then. So I’m keeping my expectations realistic for these byelections while we put in all our effort.”
“Regardless of whether we win or lose Alexandre’s seat, I want us to establish a strong presence in both ridings. We’re starting from scratch here.”
Alexandre Boulerice speaks to supporters after being officially named Québec solidaire’s candidate for the Gouin riding in the upcoming provincial election, in Montreal on Friday, June 19, 2026. John Mahoney /
That suits Lewis just fine. The former documentary filmmaker and CBC/Much Music host thinks that like the Montreal Canadiens five years ago, the NDP needs rebuilding. Being part of a political family-his grandfather David Lewis was also an NDP leader and his father Stephen Lewis led Ontario’s NDP-he believes he can rise to this challenge.
“We need to give more power back to local members and grassroots,” he stated. He feels this approach could resonate well especially with voters in Quebec because regaining support there is crucial for building national momentum; however he added that “just saying it doesn’t make it true.” We need strategies tailored specifically for this province.”
According to Lewis’ vision-the path forward takes time; there are no shortcuts back to popularity or official recognition as a party. In the last election held nationally back in 2025, the NDP secured only seven seats out of which five remain following departures including Boulerice’s exit and Nunavut MP Lori Idlout switching allegiance to Liberals earlier this year.
Currently without a seat himself since becoming leader (he hasn’t faced voters yet), Lewis emphasizes teamwork is essential going ahead.
“I genuinely see it as something we all do together,” he explained further emphasizing no false humility exists here; if everything falls solely onto me then we will fail miserably as history shows us time again how fragile singular leadership can be-it often leads down roads filled with disappointment regardless if someone might’ve been popular at first like Trudeau did back then or more recently,” adding “we must shift away from individual authority toward shared responsibility among us all.”
Through connections rooted deeply within social movements shaped by his family background along with professional experiences such as journalism/filmmaking work done alongside wife Naomi Klein who advocates issues socially too; these relationships may prove beneficial moving into politics according him paving way forward regarding opportunities available towards revitalizing initiatives undertaken by their own party.
“Some top-notch organizers reside within various social movements across Canada & even right here at home” emphasized stating they also exist inside labor unions/political organizations but those working directly within community engagement seem less interested joining electoral practices overall compared others do engage actively through activism efforts outside traditional structures instead creating impactful changes amongst different groups involved together striving united goals collectively fostering stronger alliances together around common causes!”
We believe (sovereignty is) not actually a pressing issue for most Quebecers.
Avi Lewis
Lewis lost his father at end-March just two days after being elected leader-the impact lingers still despite absence felt heavily today reminding him about memorable phone calls shared during campaign season last year where dad challenged ideas surrounding platforms proposed prompting deeper thought processes afterwards resulting newfound clarity needed later leading towards concrete direction moving forward strategically post-election preparations underway soon approaching deadlines ahead!
New Democratic Party Leader Avi Lewis shares insights from personal experiences reflecting upon struggles faced throughout life journey thus far while navigating challenges posed politically offering suggestions aimed encouraging others seek help whenever necessary staying committed always making sure focus remains centered around core principles guiding decisions taken prioritizing values upheld dear above anything else!
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Alexandre Boulerice speaks to supporters after being officially named Québec solidaire’s candidate for the Gouin riding in the upcoming provincial election, in Montreal on Friday, June 19, 2026. John Mahoney /
That suits Lewis just fine. The former documentary filmmaker and CBC/Much Music host thinks that like the Montreal Canadiens five years ago, the NDP needs rebuilding. Being part of a political family-his grandfather David Lewis was also an NDP leader and his father Stephen Lewis led Ontario’s NDP-he believes he can rise to this challenge.
“We need to give more power back to local members and grassroots,” he stated. He feels this approach could resonate well especially with voters in Quebec because regaining support there is crucial for building national momentum; however he added that “just saying it doesn’t make it true.” We need strategies tailored specifically for this province.”
According to Lewis’ vision-the path forward takes time; there are no shortcuts back to popularity or official recognition as a party. In the last election held nationally back in 2025, the NDP secured only seven seats out of which five remain following departures including Boulerice’s exit and Nunavut MP Lori Idlout switching allegiance to Liberals earlier this year.
Currently without a seat himself since becoming leader (he hasn’t faced voters yet), Lewis emphasizes teamwork is essential going ahead.
“I genuinely see it as something we all do together,” he explained further emphasizing no false humility exists here; if everything falls solely onto me then we will fail miserably as history shows us time again how fragile singular leadership can be-it often leads down roads filled with disappointment regardless if someone might’ve been popular at first like Trudeau did back then or more recently,” adding “we must shift away from individual authority toward shared responsibility among us all.”
Through connections rooted deeply within social movements shaped by his family background along with professional experiences such as journalism/filmmaking work done alongside wife Naomi Klein who advocates issues socially too; these relationships may prove beneficial moving into politics according him paving way forward regarding opportunities available towards revitalizing initiatives undertaken by their own party.
“Some top-notch organizers reside within various social movements across Canada & even right here at home” emphasized stating they also exist inside labor unions/political organizations but those working directly within community engagement seem less interested joining electoral practices overall compared others do engage actively through activism efforts outside traditional structures instead creating impactful changes amongst different groups involved together striving united goals collectively fostering stronger alliances together around common causes!”
We believe (sovereignty is) not actually a pressing issue for most Quebecers.
Avi Lewis
Lewis lost his father at end-March just two days after being elected leader-the impact lingers still despite absence felt heavily today reminding him about memorable phone calls shared during campaign season last year where dad challenged ideas surrounding platforms proposed prompting deeper thought processes afterwards resulting newfound clarity needed later leading towards concrete direction moving forward strategically post-election preparations underway soon approaching deadlines ahead!
New Democratic Party Leader Avi Lewis shares insights from personal experiences reflecting upon struggles faced throughout life journey thus far while navigating challenges posed politically offering suggestions aimed encouraging others seek help whenever necessary staying committed always making sure focus remains centered around core principles guiding decisions taken prioritizing values upheld dear above anything else!Source link
