Avi Lewis

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Avi Lewis
Avi Lewis, 2025 IMG 5654 (1) (cropped).jpg
Lewis in 2025
BornMay 1967 (age 58)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Alma mater University of Toronto (BA)
Occupations
  • Politician
  • journalist
  • filmmaker
  • academic
  • activist
Political party New Democratic
Spouse Naomi Klein
Children1 [1]
Parents
Relatives David Lewis (grandfather)
Moishe Lewis (great-grandfather)
Daniel Libeskind (uncle)
Website www.avilewis.ca

Avram David "Avi" Lewis (born May 1967) is a Canadian politician, journalist and activist. Lewis is an associate professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and was a lecturer at Rutgers University. He has hosted several programs for Citytv, CBC News and Al Jazeera English including The NewMusic, CounterSpin, On the Map with Avi Lewis, The Big Picture with Avi Lewis, and Fault Lines. With his wife, Naomi Klein, Lewis directed documentaries The Take and This Changes Everything. He was a New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in the 2021 and 2025 federal elections, losing both times. He is a candidate in the 2026 NDP leadership election.

Contents

Lewis was raised in a political family. His grandfather David Lewis was leader of the NDP from 1971 to 1975, and his father Stephen Lewis was leader of the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978 and served as the Canadian ambassador to the United Nations from 1984 to 1988. Along with his wife and several other activists, Lewis launched Leap Manifesto in 2015. Lewis entered electoral politics by becoming the party's candidate for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country in the 2021 Canadian federal election and Vancouver Centre in the 2025 Canadian federal election.

Early life and education

Lewis was born in May 1967 [2] in Toronto, Ontario, where he was raised. He attended Jarvis Collegiate Institute and Upper Canada College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from University College at the University of Toronto in 1988. [3] [4]

Career

Lewis has hosted several programs including The NewMusic for Citytv, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's shows CounterSpin, On the Map with Avi Lewis, and The Big Picture with Avi Lewis, and Al Jazeera's Fault Lines and Inside USA. He was a lecturer at Rutgers University in New Jersey and is currently an associate professor in the geography department at the University of British Columbia where he teaches courses on social and political change, communication and documentary filmmaking. [5] [6]

Early broadcasting career

Between 1996 and 1998, Avi Lewis was host of The NewMusic , a music magazine show on MuchMusic and Citytv. He also served as MuchMusic's political specialist, doing extensive special events coverage for the channel, covering the 1993 Canadian federal election and the 1995 Quebec referendum. [7] Lewis won a Gemini Award for Best Event Coverage. [8]

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

From 1998 to 2001, Lewis hosted CBC Newsworld's current affairs discussion show CounterSpin , where he presided over 500 debates. He was later the host of Counterspin Sunday. In 2004, Lewis and his wife Naomi Klein collaborated on The Take , a documentary that detailed the "recovered factory" movement in Argentina. The Take, winner of the International Jury Prize, was nominated for four Gemini Awards. Lewis began hosting The Big Picture with Avi Lewis in the autumn of 2006 and On the Map in 2007. He was a panellist on Canada Reads , which aired on March 2–6, 2009, where he presented, and successfully defended, the winning book, Lawrence Hill's The Book of Negroes . [9]

On the Map

In June 2007, CBC Newsworld debuted On the Map with Avi Lewis, a daily (Monday-Thursday) half-hour of international news commentary. On the Map's half-hour time slot was replaced with a half-hour summary of the daily hour-long show Politics by Don Newman. [10] During the same time period on CBC Television, The Hour , hosted by George Stroumboulopoulos aired. [11] [12] [13]

Lewis discussed such issues as the "Oil Law" that the United States wished Iraq to adopt, women in Afghanistan, [14] and what exactly is meant by the phrase "ungoverned spaces". [15]

Lewis conducted a June 11, 2007, interview with political writer Ayaan Hirsi Ali. After repeatedly and openly sniggering at Hirsi Ali's complimentary remarks about the United States, Lewis sharply questioned some of her views, including her denial of the existence of Islamophobia, her belief that Islam was inherently misogynistic, and her positive opinions concerning American democracy. Lewis compared Islamophobia to antisemitism, seeing both as equally real, to which Ali replied: "Racism is a universal trait, so is antisemitism, by the way. But I want us not to confuse a set of beliefs such as Islam, with ethnicity such as the hatred against Jews just because they are Jews, or against blacks just because they are black, or against gays just because of- it's something you can't do anything about. Whereas Islam is simply a set of beliefs, and it's not Islamophobic to say ... this is being done in the name of your religion." [16]

Documentary films

From October 8–18, 2007, Lewis hosted the ten-part international documentary series Why Democracy? in Canada. [17]

Lewis directed the 2015 feature-length documentary This Changes Everything , [18] which finished second in the audience voting, for the documentary category, at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival. [19]

Frontline USA and Inside USA

Inside USA was first telecast on Al Jazeera English on February 8, 2008, with the episode "Politics of Race". Al Jazeera describes Inside USA as "an in-depth look at the real issues at stake in the US presidential election." [20]

Politics Of Race, released on February 22, 2008, focused on the situation in New Orleans and the disenfranchisement of Black voters. [21] [22]

Native Americans, released on March 1, 2008, focused on Lakota Sioux separatism, social and economic issues surrounding the Lakota Sioux, Navajo and the Shoshone peoples. [23] [24] The last few minutes were devoted to the role online videos play in the American election, including a clip from "Yes We Can".

Political career

Leap Manifesto

In September 2015, Lewis, Naomi Klein, and others launched the Leap Manifesto, which proposed broad changes to Canadian society and economics in order to respond to climate change through a policy framework that also addresses issues of wealth and income inequality, racism, and colonialism and in hopes of influencing the policy debate during the 2015 Canadian federal election campaign. [25] [26] In 2016, Lewis spearheaded a motion at the NDP's federal election which would have had the party endorse the manifesto. In the end, the motion was amended to refer the manifesto to constituency associations for debate. Lewis and other manifesto signatories launched an organization to promote the manifesto's vision in 2017, called The Leap, which operated until 2021 and was a key convenor of Canada's Pact for a Green New Deal in 2019. [27]

Since 2017

An active member of the NDP, he was speculated as a potential candidate in the 2017 leadership election, but declined to run. [28] Lewis supports shifting the NDP further to the left, endorsing and campaigning for several progressive candidates in internal NDP elections, such as Anjali Appadurai in the 2022 British Columbia New Democratic Party leadership election. [29] [30]

In May 2021, Lewis was nominated as the NDP's candidate for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, British Columbia for the 2021 Canadian federal election, [31] [32] which was subsequently called for September 20, 2021. [33] Lewis' run for federal parliament was endorsed by environmentalist David Suzuki, [34] [35] actress Jane Fonda, [35] [36] playwright Eve Ensler, [37] folk singer and activist Billy Bragg, [38] and biologist Alexandra Morton. [39] He received 25.63% of the vote, the best result the NDP had ever achieved in the riding. [40] But still came in third behind incumbent Liberal Patrick Weiler who has represented the riding since 2019, and Conservative John Weston, who had previously represented the district from 2008 until 2015. In September 2024, Lewis was acclaimed as the NDP candidate in Vancouver Centre for the 2025 Canadian federal election, he placed third, behind incumbent Liberal Hedy Fry and Conservative Elaine Allan, as the NDP lost the majority of its seats in the House of Commons and official party status. [41]

2026 NDP leadership campaign

Lewis is a candidate in the 2026 New Democratic Party leadership election. He launched his campaign on September 19, 2025, being the first candidate approved to run. He held his campaign launch in Toronto. [42] [43]

Personal life and family

Avi Lewis is married to journalist and author Naomi Klein; his sister Ilana Landsberg-Lewis was the executive director of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. [44] The couple have one son, Toma. [45]

Lewis is the great-grandson of Moishe Lewis, an outspoken member of the Jewish Bund who left Svislach, Poland, after being interrogated by the Russians and threatened with death or the gulag for his political activity. Moishe left for Montreal in 1921, with his wife Rose and three children. Avi is the grandson of former federal New Democratic Party leader David Lewis, son of former Ontario New Democratic Party leader and diplomat Stephen Lewis, and journalist Michele Landsberg.

Lewis was featured on the November 20, 2001, "Life & Times" episode of The Lewis Family. [46] Lewis' genealogical search was featured on the January 31, 2008, episode of the CBC's Who Do You Think You Are? [47]

Electoral record

2025 Canadian federal election : Vancouver Centre
PartyCandidateVotes%±%Expenditures
Liberal Hedy Fry 29,85554.79+14.12
Conservative Elaine Allan16,36830.04+8.14
New Democratic Avi Lewis 6,80712.49–17.83
Green Scott MacDonald7571.39–2.42
People's Christopher Varga2110.39–2.89
Independent Drew William McPherson630.12N/A
Total valid votes/expense limit54,06199.23$131,689.42
Total rejected ballots4220.77−0.03
Turnout54,48363.52
Eligible voters85,775
Liberal notional hold Swing +2.99
Source: Elections Canada [48] [49] [50]
2021 Canadian federal election : West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country
PartyCandidateVotes%±%Expenditures
Liberal Patrick Weiler 21,50033.88-1.01$107,414.31
Conservative John Weston 19,06230.04+3.33$123,189.13
New Democratic Avi Lewis 16,26525.63+11.74$117,546.51
Green Mike Simpson4,1086.47-15.97$35,992.60
People's Doug Bebb2,2993.62+2.08$26,851.53
Rhinoceros Gordon Jeffrey980.15-0.12$0.00
Independent Chris MacGregor770.12$0.00
Independent Terry Grimwood500.08-0.16$0.00
Total valid votes/expense limit63,459$131,270.20
Total rejected ballots279
Turnout64.6%
Eligible voters98,256
Source: Elections Canada [51]

References

  1. Congratulations to Naomi Klein and Avi Lewis on the birth of their son - Democracy Now!
  2. "The political siren finally blares for Avi Lewis". TVO. May 21, 2021. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
  3. "Avi Lewis". www.uc.utoronto.ca. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
  4. Alumni in the arts Archived September 21, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  5. "Avi Lewis - Centre for Climate Justice Avi Lewis %".
  6. "Naomi Klein and Avi Lewis join UBC Geography faculty". University of British Columbia. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
  7. https://www.cbc.ca/programguide/personality/avi_lewis
  8. https://lannan.georgetown.edu/past-guests/avi-lewis/
  9. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation We have a winner for Canada Reads 2009! - The Book of Negroes By Lawrence Hill. cbc.ca Canada Reads. Archived December 25, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  10. CBC.ca Politics
  11. On The Map with Avi Lewis CBC.ca Archived July 9, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  12. The Big Picture with Avi Lewis CBC.ca Archived September 25, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  13. "The Take official website". Archived from the original on February 26, 2011. Retrieved June 28, 2015.
  14. "On The Map with Avi Lewis: Ann Jones & Women in Afghanistan". YouTube. July 5, 2007. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  15. "On The Map with Avi Lewis: Wrap Up". YouTube. July 5, 2007. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  16. On The Map with Avi Lewis: Ayaan Hirsi Ali & Islamophobia on YouTube
  17. "Why Democracy?: Host, Avi Lewis". CBC Newsworld . Archived from the original on May 11, 2009. Retrieved May 28, 2014.
  18. Steve Gravestock. "This Changes Everything (programme note)". TIFF. Archived from the original on September 6, 2015. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
  19. "Toronto International Film Festival Announces 2015 Award Winners" (PDF) (Press release). TIFF. September 20, 2015. Retrieved September 21, 2015.
  20. "Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on February 28, 2008.
  21. Inside USA - Politics of Race - 22 Feb 08 - Pt 1, YouTube
  22. Inside USA - Politics of Race - 22 Feb 08 - Pt 2, YouTube
  23. AlJazeeraEnglish (March 4, 2008). "Inside USA - Native Americans - 01 Mar 08 - Part 1". YouTube . Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  24. AlJazeeraEnglish (March 4, 2008). "Inside USA - Native Americans - 01 Mar 08 - Part 2". YouTube. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  25. Chen, Michael (September 15, 2015). "'Leap manifesto' backed by prominent NDPers, actors, activists calls for upending of capitalist system". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
  26. The Leap (October 5, 2016). "The Leap Manifesto: One Year Later". theleap.org. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
  27. "Hitting the road for a Green New Deal". The Leap. May 10, 2019. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  28. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/avi-lewis-ndp-leap-manifesto-1.3763855
  29. "Avi Lewis (@avilewis) on X". X (formerly Twitter).
  30. https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/avi-lewis-was-raised-in-the-ndp-at-54-he-s-finally-ready-to-join/article_802d9169-6e3c-5fac-a4fa-cf1e8524cd2e.html
  31. "Film producer Avi Lewis named as NDP candidate in B.C. riding". National Post. May 22, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
  32. "Filmmaker, activist Avi Lewis to run for federal NDP seat in B.C. riding". CTVNews. May 17, 2021. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  33. "Canada is headed for a federal election on Sept. 20". CBC News. August 15, 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  34. Seyd, Jane (September 3, 2021). "David Suzuki offers heavyweight help to NDP's climate candidate in West Vancouver Sunshine Coast Sea-to-Sky". North Shore News. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  35. 1 2 Stefanovich, Olivia. "Climate activist Avi Lewis aims to leave mark on NDP despite running in long-odds riding". cbc.ca. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. CBC News. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  36. Raycraft, Richard (September 12, 2021). "Leaders find ways to make voters laugh and smile in a gloomy campaign". CBC News. Retrieved September 15, 2021. "I'm excited that Canada will have Avi Lewis representing you — and a little jealous too," she said, perhaps prematurely, in an endorsement video.
  37. Lewis, Avi. "V (formerly Eve Ensler) is a dear friend, mentor, and artist-comrade. Her words make me want to fight harder. #GlobalGreenNewDeal". Twitter. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  38. "Billy Bragg - "Waiting for the Leap Manifesto"". YouTube . September 6, 2021.
  39. Morton, Alexandra. "Why I support @NDP candidate @avilewis for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky MP. #cdnpoli #Elxn44 #WestVancouver #SunshineCoast". Twitter. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  40. Rosenberg, Jäger (May 2, 2025). "I Ran for the NDP and Lost. We Need to Change". The Tyee . Retrieved October 5, 2025.
  41. "Avi Lewis acclaimed as NDP candidate in Vancouver Centre". The Hill Times. September 4, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  42. Kirkup, Kristy (April 29, 2025). "Federal NDP looks toward rebuilding party, with leadership race on horizon". Globe and Mail. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
  43. https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/heather-mcpherson-avi-lewis-prepare-ndp-leadership-bids/article_2d65de8b-66f3-4e27-82ce-b354769f692e.html
  44. "Michele Landsberg celebrates 70 years". Now , July 15, 2009.
  45. "Naomi Klein". Facebook.com. March 5, 2012.
  46. CBC: Life And Times Archived May 29, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  47. Who Do You Think You Are? | Stories | Avi Lewis Archived January 29, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  48. "Voter information service". Elections Canada. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
  49. "Election Night Results - Electoral Districts". Elections Canada. May 3, 2025. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  50. "Final Election Expenses Limits for Candidates". Elections Canada . April 22, 2025. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  51. "List of confirmed candidates – September 20, 2021 Federal Election". Elections Canada . Retrieved September 2, 2021.