11/01/2026
FEDERAL NDP LEADER AVI LEWIS VISITS BRANTFORD, CHAMPIONS AFFORDABILITY AND WORKERS AHEAD OF DECEMBER 7 BY-ELECTION
Canada’s Federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis visited Brantford on Saturday, October 31, to hear directly from local workers and community members. Hosted by the Brantford–Brant South NDP Riding Associations, Lewis spoke about the rising cost of living, workers’ rights and the future of their community ahead of the upcoming federal by-election in Brantford–Brant South. The by-election was officially announced on Sunday by Prime Minister Mark Carney and is set to take place on Monday, December 7, 2026.
The visit began at the Brantford and District Labour Centre with a resonant speech from the party leader, where he addressed federal NDP plans and how they can offset the challenges facing local constituents, emphasizing the need to make life more affordable for working families, strengthen worker protections and invest in Canadian manufacturing and public infrastructure. He called for a national electrified bus network that would connect communities, support the auto industry, use Canadian steel and create good paying union jobs.
Lewis also raised concerns about the rising cost of housing, groceries and healthcare, alongside proposed Liberal legislation, Bill C-39, which threatens workers’ rights, environmental protections and Indigenous rights.
“People are working harder and harder and falling further and further behind. The social contract has been shredded in this country. It used to be that if you worked hard, you could afford a dignified life, and your kids would have better opportunities than you did. That is over now.”
“[Brantford] is a town that is experiencing what everybody in Canada is experiencing. The cost of living here is out of control,” Lewis said. “The price of housing in smaller communities used to be affordable. There is no such thing anywhere in Ontario anymore.”
Following his speech, the federal NDP leader visited the Brantford Farmers’ Market for lunch and to meet with local residents, small business owners and vendors to hear directly about the issues and challenges affecting their livelihoods and community.
"I was pleased to see Avi visit Brantford. For too long the hard working people in our community have been forgotten by the Conservatives and Liberals. Avi cares about Brantford and Brant. His visit proves that,” said NDP nominee Brad Ward.
"The NDP is prepared to show leadership in dealing with the homeless and addiction issues facing our community as well as help seniors, working families, farmers and small business owners deal with their affordability concerns,” Ward added.
Brad Ward, former MPP and Brantford City Councillor is an NDP nominee for the upcoming by-election. The Brantford-Brant South Riding Association nomination meeting will be held on Saturday, November 7th.
The Brantford–Brant South NDP Riding Associations are committed to fostering an inclusive community and building a future for all generations by:
▪️Increasing the affordability of living and working in our community
▪️Creating better worker protections, including for disabled and gig workers, in the new economy
▪️Ending our climate complacency with creative new strategies
▪️Declaring a national emergency to combat homelessness and addiction
▪️Shifting the tax burden from the working class to the ultra-wealthy
▪️Fighting for timely, reliable and accessible head-to-toe healthcare
▪️Providing federal funding for GO Train expansion to Brantford, giving time back to the people
Photo by: Andrew Chisholm
