NDP Leader Avi Lewis commenced a three-day caucus meeting by criticizing the Carney government for neglecting regular Canadians. Lewis emphasized that powerful corporations in Canada are receiving preferential treatment over ordinary citizens in government policies. He, along with five NDP MPs, engaged in discussions with union representatives, affordable housing advocates, and food bank leaders in Toronto. Standing alongside these stakeholders, Lewis highlighted the government’s allocation of funds for a new West Coast pipeline and military investments while overlooking the needs of everyday Canadians.

Lewis urged for reforms in employment insurance and increased wage support for workers affected by the trade war. Additionally, he advocated for the construction of more affordable housing, implementation of rent controls, and the establishment of publicly operated grocery stores for affordable food access.

Addressing affordability challenges in Toronto, Lewis underscored the city’s significance in the federal NDP’s revival. Despite setbacks from the 2025 election and a reduced parliamentary caucus, Lewis and supporters believe in the party’s potential resurgence, with Toronto serving as a strategic focal point.

Following recent byelections where the NDP did not secure any seats, Lewis acknowledged the party’s unexpected outcomes but emphasized promising signs of rejuvenation in Toronto. The NDP witnessed a surge in vote share in the Beaches-East York riding, indicating a positive trajectory for the party’s rebuilding efforts.

Highlighting the party’s focus on Toronto, a senior NDP source revealed plans to prioritize gaining seats in the city, particularly in areas like Davenport and Parkdale. Ground zero for key issues championed by Lewis, including grocery costs, housing, environmental concerns, and the West Coast pipeline, Toronto presents a vital battleground for the NDP’s electoral strategy.

Emphasizing a year-round organizing approach over mere election campaigns, the NDP under Lewis aims to foster lasting community connections beyond political transactions. By engaging volunteers throughout the year and establishing NDP riding groups as community hubs, the party seeks to build enduring relationships and promote a sense of communal engagement.

Despite challenges in other byelections, including declining vote shares in certain regions, analysts suggest that the NDP’s positioning has improved compared to previous elections. While the party still faces obstacles, particularly in regaining official party status, the ongoing efforts under Lewis’s leadership signal a positive trajectory for the federal NDP’s future.