In the final stretch of the NDP leadership contest, Avi Lewis is facing renewed scrutiny over his prior activism. Despite the resurfacing of past controversies, Lewis’s campaign is steadfast in its support of his longstanding convictions and a ten-year-old vision that has stirred both internal discord among New Democrats and been exploited by their adversaries.
Lewis’s campaign is currently under fire following the circulation of an old video on social media this week, showing the leadership contender and his spouse apparently mocking the Alberta NDP. Detractors of Lewis argue that his involvement in presenting the Leap Manifesto, a contentious policy paper, at the 2016 federal New Democrat convention may have contributed to the downfall of Rachel Notley’s government.
Responding to the criticism, Donya Ziaee, spokesperson for Lewis’s campaign, has accused rival campaigns of fostering division and resurrecting outdated disputes. “This political juncture presents an opportunity for the NDP to embrace a bold stance on climate leadership,” she stated.
Lewis has opted not to participate in an interview for this story.
The Leap Manifesto, championed by Lewis despite his family’s political lineage within the NDP, was formulated by a coalition of environmentalists, artists, and advocates for Indigenous rights, feminism, and labor. The manifesto underscores the urgent need to address the climate crisis and advocates for a complete shift away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources.
Although the manifesto garnered some support within the NDP, it was never formally adopted by the party. Instead, a resolution endorsing its core principles was passed at the 2016 convention, with further deliberations delegated to riding associations.
Critics of Lewis are leveraging his association with the Leap Manifesto to dissuade NDP members from backing his leadership bid. Notable among these critics is Shannon Phillips, a former Alberta NDP environment minister, who has thrown her support behind fellow contender Heather McPherson.
Phillips has alleged that Lewis’s activism, particularly his stance on oil and gas, could jeopardize the provincial NDP’s standing, especially in Western Canada. She has emphasized the need for McPherson to cast doubt on Lewis among undecided voters to secure their backing.
Another contender in the leadership race, Rob Ashton, has criticized Lewis’s interactions with provincial NDP leaders, asserting that his approach steers the party in the wrong direction.
The NDP continues to grapple with internal ideological disputes, with the legacy of the Leap Manifesto casting a shadow over the ongoing leadership contest. As the party navigates these challenges, the question remains whether Lewis’s steadfast commitment to his decade-old vision will resonate with the party’s membership.
Voting is currently underway in the leadership race, with the new leader slated to be revealed at the party’s convention in Winnipeg by the month’s end.
