Avi Lewis has been named the new leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP) following his election at a party convention in Winnipeg on March 29, 2026. Lewis, a filmmaker, and his wife, Naomi Klein, a prominent climate activist, were hired by the University of British Columbia (UBC) amidst ongoing debates about political advocacy in academia. Despite not holding advanced degrees—Lewis has a bachelor’s, and Klein lacks a formal degree—their positions at UBC have drawn attention, with Lewis earning $92,000 part-time and Klein receiving $277,000 for her teaching and administrative roles. Recent polls indicate that a significant majority of Canadians believe political ideology should be excluded from universities, a sentiment echoed by Harvard University’s president, who criticized faculty activism for stifling free speech. The hiring of Lewis and Klein highlights a trend of leftist activism among university faculty, raising questions about the impact of such ideologies on academic environments.
Why It Matters
This situation reflects a broader national conversation about the role of political beliefs in educational institutions. Recent surveys reveal that a substantial majority of Canadian university professors identify as left-leaning, with 88% voting for leftist parties, which contrasts sharply with the minority of conservative students who feel comfortable expressing their views. The controversy surrounding Lewis and Klein’s appointments underscores concerns regarding ideological bias within universities and the potential chilling effect on free speech and academic inquiry. Historically, the hiring of public figures without traditional academic credentials has been rare, marking a significant shift in university hiring practices that may influence future academic standards and faculty diversity.
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