The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Politics & World›Journalist›Avi Lewis
Politics & World • Journalist

Avi Lewis

Avi Lewis is a Canadian journalist, documentary filmmaker, educator, climate activist, and politician.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Avi Lewis is a Canadian journalist, documentary filmmaker, educator, climate activist, and politician. He became leader of the federal New Democratic Party in 2026 and has also worked in television broadcasting, university teaching, and progressive political advocacy.

Early life and family

Lewis was born in Toronto in May 1967 and is the grandson of David Lewis and the son of Stephen Lewis, both major figures in Canadian democratic socialist politics. His family background has strongly shaped his public identity and political outlook.

Broadcasting career

Lewis built his reputation in television journalism and hosted programs for Citytv, CBC Newsworld, MuchMusic, and Al Jazeera English. His work included political debate formats, music journalism, and international current-affairs programming.

Documentary filmmaking

Lewis became known as a documentary filmmaker, often focusing on labour, inequality, climate change, and global politics. His best-known films include The Take and This Changes Everything.

Academic and activist work

Lewis has taught at the University of British Columbia and lectured at Rutgers University. He has also been involved in climate justice and progressive political organizing, including co-founding The Leap.

Political career

Lewis ran as an NDP candidate in federal elections and later entered the party leadership race. He was elected leader of the federal NDP in 2026.

Key facts

  • Avi Lewis is a Canadian journalist, documentary filmmaker, educator, activist, and politician.
  • He became leader of the federal New Democratic Party in 2026.
  • He directed the documentaries The Take and This Changes Everything with Naomi Klein.
  • He has worked in Canadian broadcasting and at Al Jazeera English.
  • He has taught at the University of British Columbia and lectured at Rutgers University.
🍁
Canadian context

Lewis is a prominent Canadian media figure and politician whose career spans Canadian broadcasting, documentary film, academic work in Vancouver, and federal politics through the NDP.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Avi Lewis?
Avi Lewis is a Canadian journalist, documentary filmmaker, educator, activist, and politician who became leader of the federal NDP in 2026.
What is Avi Lewis known for?
He is known for television journalism, documentary films on labour and climate issues, and progressive political activism.
What films has Avi Lewis directed?
He directed The Take and This Changes Everything, both made with Naomi Klein.
What is Avi Lewis’s connection to the NDP?
He comes from a family with deep NDP ties and became the federal party leader in 2026 after previously running as a candidate.
Where has Avi Lewis taught?
He has been associated with the University of British Columbia and has also lectured at Rutgers University.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avi_Lewis
    Supports: Birth name, career overview, broadcasting work, documentary films, academic roles, and political descriptions.
  2. New Democratic Party — https://www.ndp.ca/avilewis
    Supports: NDP leadership election in 2026, biography, activism, and family life.
  3. Avi Lewis official website — https://www.avilewis.ca/about/
    Supports: Biography, UBC role, activism, climate justice work, and family background.
  4. CBC — https://www.cbc.ca/programguide/personality/avi_lewis
    Supports: Broadcasting career, counterSpin, MuchMusic role, and documentary work.
  5. Lannan Foundation — https://lannan.org/bios/avi-lewis
    Supports: Documentary filmmaking, Al Jazeera hosting, and career overview.