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 meeting was organized in response to the Liberal government's recently released 2025 budget. Lewis's presentation was a mix of political rhetoric and campaign messaging, as he aims to lead the NDP back to its foundational principles with the slogan, "return the party to its roots… for the many, not the money."

During the event, Lewis made a light-hearted confession about his grocery shopping habits, stating, "I get shredded cheese. It just saves me time." He recounted a recent shopping trip where he spent $100, noting the cashier's confusion when she saw his total compared to the items in his cart. This moment drew parallels to former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who faced backlash for his own relatable yet misguided attempts to connect with everyday Canadians.

Singh, known for his designer clothing and luxury vehicles, often portrayed himself as an everyman, a portrayal that many found disingenuous. Lewis's attempt to relate to the public through his shredded cheese anecdote has sparked similar criticism, suggesting he may not be as in touch with the average Canadian as he claims.

The town hall also featured commentary on the Liberal budget, which Lewis criticized as being overly favorable to corporations. He described it as "welfare for corporations" and accused it of failing to address critical issues such as housing, climate change, and public transit. However, the budget does include provisions for these areas, such as a $51 billion fund for housing infrastructure and commitments to climate action.

Lewis's remarks were met with skepticism, as he did not provide any substantial alternatives to the Liberal government's plans. Instead, he reiterated the need for public grocery stores and a transition away from fossil fuels, echoing typical NDP talking points without offering new solutions.

Co-host Libby Davies, a former NDP deputy leader, also criticized the budget, claiming it would contribute to military funding for Israel. This assertion has been met with disbelief, given the context of the budget's provisions and the government's recent diplomatic actions.

Throughout the town hall, both Lewis and Davies appeared unfazed by the significant $78.3 billion deficit projected in the budget, which many believe could have long-term implications for Canadians. Lewis's comments about the budget included a rare moment of clarity when he referred to it as "a bit of a nightmare."

As Lewis continues his campaign for NDP leadership, he faces the challenge of proving his authenticity and ability to connect with voters. His recent performance suggests he may be following in the footsteps of Singh, with a focus on charisma but lacking substantive policy proposals. The upcoming leadership race will determine whether Lewis can effectively lead the NDP or if he will merely replicate the shortcomings of his predecessor.