Avi Lewis’ victory in the federal NDP leadership race received quick reactions from the leaders of provincial NDP parties.
Some were congratulatory, like Manitoba premier Wab Kinew who appeared on stage with Lewis during his victory speech at the convention in Winnipeg.
“An amazing mandate for a new leader of the NDP,” said Kinew. “Avi’s a great speaker. He’s got an inspiring message, and I just loved the comment that he had that we can’t wait another lifetime to have a government that represents New Democrat values. A great day for New Democrats from coast-to-coast-to-coast.”
Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles, who spoke on the second day of the convention, likewise congratulated Lewis on his victory.
Congratulations to @avilewis, for being elected the new leader of Canada’s NDP! The Canada we’re fighting for lifts people up, brings people together, and builds a future for everyone. That’s what NDP oppositions fight for every day, and it’s what NDP governments deliver. Let’s…
— Marit Stiles (@MaritStiles) March 29, 2026
A cold welcome west of Manitoba
Reactions from NDP leaders west of Manitoba for Lewis’ victory were lukewarm at best.
Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi attacked Lewis on social media after his victory in the federal leadership race was announced.
“It is clear that the direction of the federal party under this new leader, someone who openly cheered for the defeat of the Alberta NDP government, is not in the interests of Alberta,” Nenshi wrote on X. “Last year, Alberta’s New Democrats voted overwhelmingly to make membership in the federal party optional. Many thousands of our provincial members, including myself, are not members of the federal party. We are a big tent and welcome the support of people who vote for every federal party.”
Lewis’ opposition to oil and gas pipelines and his stated desire to reduce Canada’s reliance on fossil fuels seems to be the main issue driving a wedge between himself and the leaders of the western provincial parties.
Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck posted a letter to Lewis on Sunday where she declined an invitation to meet with him.
“The positions you have taken when it comes to natural resource development are ideological and unrealistic,” she wrote. “They would hurt Saskatchewan workers, communities, and industries.”
Beck went on to write that she would not meet with Lewis at all unless his views changed.
“When you publicly reverse your decisions on these matters and show a willingness to try to understand the realities of our province and the thousands of proud Saskatchewan workers who rely on our industries to feed their families, I will meet with you,” the letter concludes.
BC NDP Premier David Eby was fairly lukewarm to Lewis’ victory.
Congratulations to @avilewis on being elected as the federal leader by NDP members, and thank you to @DonDavies for your service as interim leader.
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— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) March 29, 2026
Eby went on to write that his government was focused on growing jobs in the mining, energy and tech sectors and warned: “We will work with anyone and any federal leader who shares our priorities, and stand firm against those who put that progress at risk.”
We’re not going to agree all the time
A recurring theme on the floor of the convention, and not just after Lewis was announced as the new leader, but throughout the weekend, was an acknowledgement that in order for the party to grow, there would need to be some disagreements.
“We will not always agree on every single issue, but here’s the thing, our debates are another sign that our party is back and our tent is growing. It is big enough to hold some differences of opinion within it,” said Lewis in his victory speech.
“Part of being a democracy is having disagreements and having good discussions. We’re not going to agree all the time. We need to have the courage to have those discussions and push forward,” said Winnipeg-Centre NDP MP Leah Gazan who endorsed Lewis for leader.
For his part, in response to Nenshi’s attack, Lewis said that he wanted to see the Alberta NDP leader succeed.
“I want Naheed Nenshi to be the next Premier of Alberta. We must get rid of Danielle Smith,” he said in an interview with the CBC. “I’m utterly devoted to Naheed’s victory, despite the fact that he’s not a member of the federal party. We are still New Democrats in spirit, in soul and in fundamental values.”
Libby Davies, who was elected as vice president of the NDP’s executive committee at the federal convention in Winnipeg said that she felt Avi Lewis will be able to grow the party and build bridges with provincial leaders who might not agree with him.
