In a poignant moment of reflection, Avi Lewis, recently elected leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), shared insights into his relationship with his father, Stephen Lewis, just days before the elder Lewis passed away. With a storied career in politics and advocacy, Stephen Lewis’s influence looms large over his son’s new role at the helm of the NDP, as the family prepares to commemorate his life and achievements in a public memorial.
A Father’s Support in Challenging Times
As Avi Lewis navigated his campaign for party leadership, he often sought counsel from his father, who, despite battling cancer, provided encouragement and wisdom. In a candid conversation shortly before Stephen’s death on March 29, Avi expressed his anxiety about the responsibilities ahead. “He just reassured me like, you know, like a dad,” recalled Avi. “He said: ‘You don’t have to do anything that you haven’t been doing for months. Just keep it up. You’re doing great. Stay calm. Stay clear. You’ve got this.'”
Avi’s recollection of this exchange underscores the deep emotional bond between father and son, a connection that transcends the formalities of political life. “In that conversation, I felt like a kid being reassured by a parent,” he admitted, highlighting the universal experience of seeking parental comfort during pivotal moments.
Remembering a Political Giant
Stephen Lewis’s contributions to Canadian politics and global advocacy are profound. Leading the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978, he later served as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations and became a prominent figure in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa through the Stephen Lewis Foundation. The memorial service, scheduled for Sunday at Toronto Metropolitan University, will gather notable figures such as Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and former Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella, alongside family members who will share personal anecdotes about their father.
Avi and his sisters, Ilana Landsberg-Lewis and Jenny Lewis, aim to provide a more intimate portrayal of their father, one that captures both his public persona and his private joys. “He was a very unusual person, with many hidden talents,” Avi remarked, recalling unexpected moments from their shared past, such as a surprising display of athletic prowess when Stephen threw a perfect football spiral, a rare moment that left a lasting impression.
Balancing Personal Grief and Public Duty
As the family prepares to celebrate Stephen’s life, Avi acknowledges the complexities of grieving publicly while managing the rigours of his new political role. “It won’t be a political moment for me,” he stated, aware of the public interest surrounding the event. “We’re all just embarrassed about losing it emotionally in front of a group of people, and everybody knows it’s actually okay.”
Avi understands that moments like these can elicit vulnerability, yet they also offer an opportunity for healing and connection. He anticipates that the memorial will provide a space for shared remembrance, allowing attendees to collectively honour Stephen’s legacy while reflecting on their own experiences with grief and loss.
A Legacy of Political Engagement
Avi Lewis’s journey into politics may have seemed unlikely given his initial disinterest during his formative years. Born in 1967, just four years after his father was elected to the Ontario Legislature, he spent his childhood observing the political landscape but initially gravitated towards journalism, a field closely associated with his mother, Michele Landsberg. However, as he took the plunge into political leadership, his father’s reaction was one of encouragement rather than surprise: “What took you so long?”
This transition marks a new chapter not only in Avi’s life but also in the ongoing legacy of the Lewis family in Canadian politics. With significant challenges ahead, including addressing unexpected leadership changes within the party, Avi stands poised to steer the NDP through turbulent waters, guided by the principles instilled in him by his father.
Why it Matters
The upcoming memorial service for Stephen Lewis serves as a critical moment for both the family and the broader political community. It highlights the intersection of personal and public life, illustrating how familial relationships can deeply influence political trajectories. As Avi Lewis steps into his new role, he carries with him the weight of his father’s legacy, embodying the values of compassion, leadership, and resilience that defined Stephen’s remarkable life. This celebration of a political giant not only honours his contributions but also serves to inspire a new generation of leaders to engage with the pressing issues of our time.
