Avi Lewis Leads NDP's Comeback Bid

0:00It's March 29th, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Global News Today World News, powered by AI. Canada's new Democratic Party just crowned Avi Lewis as their new leader, grabbing 56% of the vote on the first ballot to beat out four, rivals. The 58-year-old former journalist and activist stepped up after the party's big losses in the 2025 federal election. His main push, protecting worker rights against artificial intelligence, halting new oil and gas projects, and even floating state-run grocery stores to fight rising costs. The NDP used to be a powerhouse, leading opposition back in 2011, but now they hold just six seats in the House of Commons. They dropped 17 seats last time. Ten to conservatives, seven to liberals and polls show them at 12% way behind the pack. Lewis comes from deep NDP roots. His granddad helped found the party and let it in the 70s, while his dad ran Ontario's branch. He's married to author Naomi Klein, and together they pushed the elite manifesto for big changes on climate,

1:02wealth gaps, and inequality. No parliament seat yet, though, he's lost twice in Vancouver and plans to run again soon. Voters are forgetting the NDP, with polls saying a quarter see it as irrelevant and 40% think its best days are done. One MP even jumped to the liberals recently, despite backing Lewis first. Inside the party, some grumble his anti-oil stance could hurt in places like Alberta. Lewis vows to come back with a wealth tax, a million public homes, expanded childcare, and rent caps, echoing bold moves energizing progressives elsewhere. Canada, get ready, the NDP grind is back on track.