Avi Lewis sees little polling movement after first 100 days as NDP leader

New polling suggests NDP Leader Avi Lewis has yet to gain much traction with Canadians after more than 100 days in the role. Abacus Data found that many respondents still do not know enough about him to form an opinion, while his favourable ratings and the party’s vote intention have remained largely unchanged since early April. Lewis, who was elected NDP leader in March, has not taken a seat in the House of Commons and says winning one is not his immediate priority. The party says he is focused on rebuilding outside Parliament, including travelling the country, recruiting candidates and strengthening riding associations ahead of the next federal election. The decision not to run in upcoming byelections appears intended to avoid an early setback, though some former New Democrats say having the leader in Parliament would help visibility. With the NDP at historic lows and without official party status in Ottawa, Lewis faces a difficult task in broadening his profile and rebuilding support, especially in Quebec where polling remains weak.