A vibrant evening unfolded in Toronto's Annex neighborhood last Wednesday as a mix of University of Toronto students, local residents, and visitors enjoyed the area’s restaurants and shops. However, an unusual event drew some pedestrians down a side street to the Tranzac Club, a non-profit venue known for supporting local artists. On this night, the club was the site of a significant political gathering.

As attendees entered the modest 150-capacity venue, they stopped at a reception desk to collect orange buttons reading "Avi Lewis." This event marked the official launch of Lewis's campaign for the leadership of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP). The 58-year-old former media personality and political activist had previously announced his candidacy, and this gathering was promoted as a "high-energy campaign launch" featuring his first bilingual address.

Lewis is seen as a strong candidate to revitalize the NDP, which has faced challenges in recent elections. His engaging speaking style, familiarity with key issues, and well-crafted slogans may resonate with a diverse audience. The crowd at Tranzac included union members and individuals from various generations, including Gen X, millennials, and retirees, along with a mix of visible minorities.

Many attendees may not have been aware of Lewis's significant political lineage. His grandfather, David Lewis, led the NDP in 1971 and was a prominent socialist figure. David, born in 1909 in Russian territory, was known for his opposition to communism and his secular views. His son, Stephen Lewis, also became a notable NDP leader in Ontario and was married to Michele Landsberg, a prominent social activist and columnist.

Avi Lewis, who has worked as a television journalist and political activist, played a key role in creating The Leap Manifesto in 2015, a document advocating for radical state intervention in response to climate change. This manifesto was initially conceived by his wife, Naomi Klein, a well-known author and professor. Recently, Klein, along with over 400 academics and lawyers, urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to recognize a Palestinian state and address the situation in Gaza.

Despite its initial support, The Leap Manifesto did not gain significant political traction, partly due to the NDP leadership under Tom Mulcair and Jagmeet Singh downplaying its more extreme proposals. Avi Lewis aims to change this trajectory. During his speech at Tranzac, he expressed strong support for The Leap Manifesto and its successor, The Green New Deal. He stated, "We need a Canadian Green New Deal," emphasizing the urgent need to address the ongoing global reliance on fossil fuels, which he described as an "existential" crisis. He remarked, "The world is on fire," echoing themes from Klein's recent book, "On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal."

The atmosphere at the event was charged with enthusiasm, as supporters cheered and waved signs, signaling a potential shift in the NDP's approach to climate and social issues under Lewis's leadership.