Avi Lewis, a candidate for the leadership of the New Democratic Party (NDP), addressed a Zoom audience of about 500 people on Wednesday during an event titled "Emergency Austerity Budget Town Hall." The event was organized in response to the Liberal government's recently released 2025 budget. Lewis, who is campaigning to return the NDP to its foundational principles, shared a personal anecdote about his grocery shopping habits, stating, "I get shredded cheese. It just saves me time."

Lewis's comments were intended to resonate with everyday Canadians facing rising costs. He recounted a recent shopping trip where he spent $100, noting the cashier's confusion when she saw the total and his items. This moment was reminiscent of a previous gaffe by former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who faced criticism for appearing out of touch with ordinary citizens. Singh's leadership resulted in the NDP's decline to just seven seats in the House of Commons, marking the party's worst electoral performance in history.

During the town hall, Lewis criticized the budget proposed by Finance Minister Carney, labeling it as "welfare for corporations" and "conservative." He claimed it was designed to "funnel wealth upwards" and criticized it for not adequately addressing issues like housing, climate change, and public transit. However, the budget does include provisions for these areas, such as the "Build Communities Strong Fund," which allocates $51 billion over ten years for housing-related infrastructure, and the "Build Canada Homes" initiative, which promises $13 billion over five years for various housing projects.

Lewis's remarks were met with mixed reactions, as he failed to provide a nuanced analysis of the budget. His co-host, Libby Davies, a former NDP deputy leader, did not challenge the assertions made during the event. The discussion seemed to lack depth, focusing instead on broad criticisms without engaging with the specifics of the budget's proposals.

As Lewis continues his campaign, he faces the challenge of distinguishing himself from Singh's leadership while addressing the pressing issues facing Canadians today. His approach, which includes a focus on corporate accountability and social justice, aims to resonate with voters who feel disconnected from the current political landscape. However, the effectiveness of his strategy remains to be seen as he navigates the complexities of party leadership and public expectations.