NDP leadership race sees Ashton accuse Avi Lewis of dividing the party

Rob Ashton accused Avi Lewis of dividing the federal NDP and undermining provincial NDP governments; the exchange comes ahead of a Jan. 28 membership sign-up deadline.

Rob Ashton, a federal NDP leadership candidate, posted a video accusing fellow contender Avi Lewis of dividing the party and undermining provincial New Democrat governments. Ashton said the federal party should build on the work of provincial NDP governments. Lewis has opposed new fossil fuel development and proposed a Green New Deal; his campaign declined to comment on Ashton’s remarks. The exchange arrived weeks before a Jan. 28 membership sign-up deadline and ahead of the party’s planned leadership vote in March. Key points: - Ashton posted a social media video accusing Avi Lewis of turning New Democrats against each other and undermining provincial NDP wins. - Ashton pointed to NDP governments in British Columbia and Manitoba as examples the federal party should support. - Lewis has been critical of new fossil fuel development and has proposed a Green New Deal; his campaign did not respond to the accusation. - Some prominent Lewis supporters, including former MPs Svend Robinson and Libby Davies, publicly defended him. - The contest proceeds toward a Jan. 28 membership sign-up deadline and a leadership decision scheduled for March. Summary: The public exchange represents a notable point of tension in an otherwise cordial leadership contest and highlights policy differences over resource development and party unity. The immediate procedural milestones are the Jan. 28 membership deadline and the expected leadership vote in March.