Avi Lewis is a veteran journalist, educator and activist who brings 35 years of movement-building experience to his campaign for NDP leadership, combining grassroots organizing with national media reach to advance working-class politics across Canada. As a two-time federal NDP candidate (West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea-to-Sky 2021, Vancouver Centre 2025), Avi understands the challenges facing our party and the communities we serve. Between campaigns, he teaches Climate Justice and Documentary Film at UBC, preparing the next generation of organizers and storytellers.

His commitment to workers' rights runs deep. In 2004, his documentary The Take chronicled Argentina's movement of democratic, worker-controlled businesses—shown in occupied factories from Chicago to Cairo. This dedication continues through decades of collaboration with unions and social movements, always centring those fighting for economic democracy.

In 2017, Avi co-founded The Leap, mobilizing thousands of Canadians to confront the intersecting crises of climate, inequality, and racism through grassroots action. His 2019 collaboration with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Message from the Future, reached millions worldwide, demonstrating how bold ideas can capture public imagination. His 2015 documentary This Changes Everything, based on his wife Naomi Klein's bestselling book, connected climate action to economic justice for audiences globally.

Throughout his media career—reporting for TV networks worldwide, hosting CBC's CounterSpin and On The Map, and co-creating Al Jazeera's Fault Lines—Avi has consistently challenged power and amplified voices of resistance. A passionate voice on the left, he pioneered political coverage for youth audiences at MuchMusic and conducted landmark interviews from David Bowie to Leonard Cohen at CityTV's The New Music.

This unique combination of electoral experience, movement leadership, media expertise, and educational commitment positions Avi to unite our party's diverse coalition while expanding our reach to new supporters. Avi lives in Vancouver with his wife Naomi Klein, their son Toma, and their dog Smoke.