In a poignant moment of reflection, Avi Lewis, the newly elected leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), recalls heartfelt conversations with his late father, Stephen Lewis, as he navigates the complexities of leadership and grief. With his father’s passing just days after Avi’s election on March 29, the family prepares to honour Stephen’s remarkable life and contributions at a memorial service this Sunday at Toronto Metropolitan University.
A Legacy of Leadership and Compassion
Stephen Lewis, a towering figure in Canadian politics, served as the leader of the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978 and later represented Canada as Ambassador to the United Nations. His advocacy work, particularly through the Stephen Lewis Foundation, focused on combatting HIV/AIDS in Africa, leaving an indelible mark on global health initiatives. As Avi Lewis steps into his new role, he carries the weight of his father’s legacy while grappling with the emotions surrounding his recent loss.
Avi Lewis vividly recalls a conversation with his father just before he assumed leadership, where Stephen offered reassurance amid Avi’s pre-election nerves. “He just said: ‘You don’t have to do anything that you haven’t been doing for months. Just keep it up. You’re doing great,’” Avi shared. In that moment, the father-son dynamic shone through, highlighting the enduring bond between them, even as Stephen battled cancer.
Family Reflections and Public Remembrance
This Sunday’s memorial will gather friends, family, and prominent figures, including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and former Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella, to honour Stephen Lewis’s multifaceted career. Avi, alongside his sisters Ilana and Jenny, plans to provide a personal perspective on their father, aiming to reveal the lesser-known aspects of his character. “He had a really silly streak, a truly delightful side of him. We want to share some of that to fill out the portrait,” Avi noted.
The family recently held a private funeral that Avi described as “intensely powerful and beautifully sad,” and now they seek to commemorate Stephen in a manner that resonates with the public. With their mother, journalist Michele Landsberg, unable to speak at the event, Avi and his siblings will take on the responsibility of representing their father’s essence.
Navigating Grief During Political Challenges
As Avi Lewis acclimatises to his new role as federal NDP leader, he faces immediate challenges, including the recent announcement of Alexandre Boulerice leaving the party for provincial politics—the NDP’s sole Quebec MP. This unexpected turn adds to the complexities of leading a party during turbulent times, all while dealing with the profound sadness of losing a guiding figure.
Despite the dual pressures of personal and political realms, Avi emphasises that the memorial service will be a space for genuine emotional expression. “It won’t be a political moment for me… We’re all just embarrassed about losing it emotionally in front of a group of people, and everybody knows it’s actually okay,” he observed.
A Personal Journey in Politics
Born in 1967, Avi Lewis witnessed his father’s political career from a young age, often joining him on the campaign trail. Those formative experiences shaped his understanding of politics, although he initially pursued journalism, following in his mother’s footsteps. Reflecting on his earlier reluctance to enter politics, he now finds himself honouring his father’s legacy in the very arena Stephen once dominated.
Avi chuckled at his father’s reaction when he announced his bid for NDP leadership: “What took you so long?” This sentiment underscores the familial connection to political service that has persisted through generations, with Avi now poised to carve out his own path while honouring the values instilled in him by Stephen.
Why it Matters
The upcoming memorial service for Stephen Lewis is not merely a farewell; it is a testament to a life dedicated to service, advocacy, and social justice. As Avi Lewis steps into leadership, he embodies the continuity of a legacy that champions progressive values in Canadian politics. This moment of collective remembrance offers an opportunity for reflection on the impact one individual can have, both on their family and society at large. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of nurturing the personal amidst the political, especially during times of transition and loss.
