Monday July 13, 2026 | MONTREAL, QC
Political analysis | by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Federal New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Avi Lewis is in Montreal for a 20-day stay as the party prepares for two closely watched federal nomination races for by-elections in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie and Laurier–Sainte-Marie.
Former NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice resigned from Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie (after 11 years serving in the House of Commons) and Laurier–Sainte-Marie has opened up with the departure of former Liberal MP and Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault (after parting ways with the Liberals mostly on climate policy).
The two ridings are geographically adjacent to one another. By-elections are coming up in both.
For the first time since 2011, Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie will select a new NDP candidate. Meanwhile, Laurier–Sainte-Marie is preparing for a new political chapter following the departure of former Liberal MP and Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault.
The NDP intends to present strong progressive candidates in both ridings ahead of the next federal election.
The NDP nomination meetings for both ridings will take place on July 16, 2026.
Getting connected
Lewis’ work phase in Montreal from July 10 to 30 comes as the party begins organizing for the next election. Part of that is strengthening the party’s presence in Quebec.
Lewis will be meeting with members, labour leaders, community organizations and local residents while supporting the party’s nomination process.
Lewis will also participate in daily door-to-door canvassing in the two federal ridings with upcoming by-elections, speaking directly with voters about the issues that matter most to them and presenting the NDP’s vision for a government that works for them.
Learning more French
A key priority for Lewis during his time in Quebec this month will be to strengthen his French. That’s part of building lasting relationships with Quebecers and engaging more directly with communities across the province, it was stated in a party news release today.
Lewis will be following an intensive daily lesson plan with a private instructor in Montreal.
Progressive alternative
Since his election as party leader, Lewis has positioned the NDP as “a radically progressive alternative to the governing Liberals, advocating for policies aimed at tackling affordability, inequality and the climate crisis”, as stated in today’s release.
The NDP has always taken a direction that is more progressive than the mainstream, to varying degrees depending on the leader.
Lewis has outlined priorities as including measures to combat price gouging through expanded public options (including in groceries, telecommunications, housing and pharmaceuticals), greater taxation of extreme wealth, universal public health care and a Green New Deal for Canada.
All of Lewis’ work is presently being done outside the House of Commons. There are five elected NDP MPs. Lewis does not have a seat.