What happens when a leadership win sparks tension inside the party?

This week on Balance of Power, Shannon Phillips, Leah Ward and Shannon Greer reflect on the legacy of Stephen Lewis, unpack the implications of Avi Lewis’s decisive leadership win, and dig into what it all means for New Democrats across the country.

First: legacy and loss. The panel reflects on Stephen Lewis’ impact on Canadian politics, the NDP movement, and the organizing culture that still shapes campaigns today.

Then: the new leader. What does Avi Lewis’ win signal about where the federal NDP is headed? From shifts in labour relationships to a more populist policy approach, the hosts break down the opportunities, and risks, of this moment.

Plus: Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck joins the show to talk about affordability, energy policy, and the realities of building a government-in-waiting. From a healthcare system pushed to the brink, to rising costs and soaring power bills, and the challenge of connecting policy to people’s day-to-day lives on the Prairies.

“Legacy, Leadership, and What It Means to Be an Effective Opposition”

Welcome to Balance of Power.

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Guest

MLA Carla Beck, Leader of the Saskatchewan NDP

https://www.ndpcaucus.sk.ca/carlabeck

Guest Host

Shannon Greer

https://www.newwestpublicaffairs.ca/shannon-greer

Mentioned in this episode

Stephen Lewis' Eulogy for Jack Layton

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/1.1715421

The Stephen Lewis Foundation

https://stephenlewisfoundation.org/

Stephen Lewis GOTV Speech

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2076947419829035

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