Both Alberta NDP MP Heather McPherson and Rob Ashton, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, are now listed as leadership candidates on the Elections Canada website. Filmmaker and journalist Avi Lewis officially announced his candidacy for the federal NDP leadership on Friday, while two other candidates registered to run for the leadership with Elections Canada. Filmmaker and journalist Avi Lewis officially announced his candidacy for the federal NDP leadership on Friday, while two other candidates registered to run for the leadership with Elections Canada. His grandfather, David Lewis, was a founding member and former leader of the federal NDP, while his father, Stephen Lewis, led the Ontario NDP. Political activist Yves Engler has also announced his intention to run for the NDP leadership.