The NDP’s Toronto Gambit: A New Era of Grassroots Politics?

The New Democratic Party (NDP) has long been a voice for progressive politics in Canada, but recent electoral losses have raised questions about its continued relevance. Under new leader Avi Lewis, the party appears to be rebranding itself with a focus on grassroots organizing and community building – an approach that could potentially pay off in Toronto.

The NDP has struggled to gain traction in the city since 2011, when it last won a seat. However, recent byelection results suggest a resurgence of sorts: in the Beaches—East York riding, the party’s vote share tripled compared to the 2025 general election. Lewis is quick to point to these gains as evidence that the party’s rebuild is underway.

The NDP’s decision to focus on Toronto represents a significant shift in strategy. For years, the party has been criticized for its lack of presence in urban centers. By targeting areas like Davenport and Parkdale, however, Lewis may be onto something. These communities are ground zero for issues that have long been at the heart of the NDP’s platform: housing affordability, climate change, and social justice.

According to polling analyst Éric Grenier, Lewis’s approach is more likely to resonate with voters in urban areas like Toronto. “The kind of messaging that Avi Lewis has been promoting…is more likely to appeal in a place like Toronto,” he said. With the NDP’s recent gains in byelections, it seems clear that Lewis is onto something.

What sets this approach apart from previous attempts at revitalizing the party? Under Lewis, the NDP is developing a model of permanent organizing – one where volunteers are trained and connected throughout the year, not just during election time. This shift towards community building and grassroots engagement has the potential to pay off in big ways for the party.

Matthew Green, the party’s outgoing national director, notes that this approach emphasizes “the idea that there is space for joy and fun and socializing…and things that typically wouldn’t be associated with politics.” In an era where people have fewer in-person social connections, this emphasis on community building is a refreshing change of pace.

The NDP still has its work cut out for it. The party is struggling financially and organizationally, and it will take more than just a new strategy to turn things around. But with Lewis at the helm, there seems to be a renewed sense of energy and optimism within the party.

As the NDP continues to focus on Toronto, one thing is clear: this is not just about winning seats or gaining power – it’s about building a movement that represents the values and interests of Canadians. If the party can succeed in creating community hubs where people can come together and engage with politics, it may be onto something truly special.

Toronto has always been a city of reinvention and rebirth – from its historic neighborhoods to its vibrant arts scene. Maybe, just maybe, it’s also where the NDP will find its own second chance at relevance.