Avi Lewis' NDP Opens Up A New Front For Canada
https://thewalrus.ca/avi-lewis-wins-leadership-of-the-federal-ndp-on-first-ballot/
The West has always been ready to wear the badge that they operate democracies, and that their governments represent the people. Yet, due in part to the rise of the US Billionaire class, and the explicit acknowledgement in the United States that money is free speech, the people of the Global “North” must relearn old lessons and confront the new Wizards of Oz.
However flawed these democratic systems may be, they fundamentally aspire to retain power with the people through representation. These Billionaires, self-crowned royalty, use their money to short circuit the electoral processes by essentially buying the representation (the Politician). These billionaires flex their wealth, and wield sophisticated networks of corporate entities, lobbyists, social media algorithms, bots, consultants, organizations, charities, clubs, and are brazen and flawed enough to seek out their self-interest at the expense of entire countries.
In defiance of wisdom, the Politician has become unusually and remarkably willing to walk far away from the Constituent. Normally the Politician should be chilled in fear with such a walk. The Politician should have the utmost respect for what they represent. They represent the people, after all is said and done. No Politician should feel safe taking from the Constituent, let alone take the Constituent for granted.
With that said, politicians are out gunned and mismatched against the overwhelming resources of the Billionaires. Canadians must restore a system of incentives that can protect our legislatures while simultaneously injecting the interests of the people back into focus. Proportional Representation is the most aggressive and direct way we can restore that focus.
Hence, Avi Lewis’ pledge for Proportional Representation represents a genuine restoration of power to the people.
https://www.fairvote.ca/29/03/2026/avi-lewiss-pledge-to-make-proportional-representation-the-ndps-one-demand-says-he-is-serious-about-pr/
As we speak, incumbents, like Alberta’s UCP and Premier Danielle Smith, understand the primary importance of maintaining power above all else. If one considers that the UCP and Danielle Smith are embroiled in the greatest corruption scandals the province has ever seen, they still persist in holding onto power. Worse, the UCP openly contemplate gerrymandering ridings.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/electoral-boundary-commission-dallas-miller-9.7143937
Even if their motives are mixed, and some are unstated, Canadians can clearly tell that Smith’s actions are designed in favour of Oil and Gas to the detriment of other industries. And, Smith’s actions don’t appear to account for the reality of the US war against Iran, and the push towards renewables. As National Observer’s Max Fawcett highlights, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries will be desperate to rebuild from the conflict, putting downward pressure on the price of oil.
It’s worth remembering that it was just over a decade ago, when it seemed like oil prices were destined to stay above $100 per barrel and those oil companies were commissioning the last of their most expensive oil sands projects, that OPEC last decided to crash the market. A mere 1.5 million barrel per day oversupply in a market where 94 million barrels per day were being consumed smashed prices down below $30 per barrel and held them below $60 per barrel for years. The aforementioned 5.25 million barrels of predicted demand destruction due to EVs — never mind the impact of significantly higher oil prices —has the same effect as 5.25 million barrels of new production: it crushes prices. In that sort of price environment, any new projects sanctioned today in order to satisfy the premier’s pipeline dreams would be underwater in short order.
I would invite the senior executives at these companies to imagine what OPEC countries like Saudi Arabia will do with their ultra-low cost supply (which can often be extracted for less than $10 per barrel) once it becomes clear that global demand is indeed in terminal decline. Will they continue to withhold barrels, as they have in the past, in order to keep prices higher? Or will they produce as many as possible in a race to get them out of the ground before the demand declines even further?
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/03/27/opinion/canada-fossil-fuels-iran-war
https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2026-iran-war-hormuz-closure-oil-shock/
Avi Lewis’ energy policies may not even be controversial as they are just a response to the geopolitical maneuvers that have cost countless lives across the world for oil.
Canada’s future therefore depends on all of us - not just working together, but having a say as well.
We have to pull the curtains back on the Wizards, and they have to know the hunt is on.
Jeremy
runsmooth
runsmooth
PAIGE! 🍁
Cassian [main]
Adam van Sertima
András Bárány
ProRep Coalition
