Avi Lewis, the newly elected leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), finds himself navigating a personal and public crossroads following the recent passing of his father, Stephen Lewis, a towering figure in Canadian politics. As he prepares to commemorate his father’s life at a memorial service this weekend, Avi is reminded of the profound influence Stephen had on both his family and the wider political landscape.
A Legacy of Leadership
Stephen Lewis, who passed away just two days after his son’s election as NDP leader on March 29, had a remarkable career spanning several decades. He helmed the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978 and later served as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, becoming a prominent advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness through the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which focused on the crisis in Africa. His passing at the age of 88 leaves a significant void in both personal and political realms.
In a recent conversation, Avi revealed the emotional weight he carried leading up to his election. “I was actually kind of nervous. I’m stressed. It’s a lot that’s coming up,” he recounted during a phone call with his father, who, despite battling cancer, provided reassurance and fatherly wisdom. “You don’t have to do anything that you haven’t been doing for months… Stay calm. You’ve got this,” Stephen advised, embodying the supportive role that marked their relationship.
A Moment of Reflection
The upcoming memorial service at Toronto Metropolitan University is set to be a poignant tribute to Stephen Lewis’s extensive contributions to politics and social advocacy. Esteemed guests including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and former Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella will share their reflections, alongside Avi and his sisters Ilana and Jenny Lewis.
Avi intends to provide a more intimate portrayal of their father, sharing stories that reveal the multifaceted personality behind the public figure. “He was a very unusual person, with many hidden talents,” he noted, recalling a moment when his father surprised him with a perfect spiral throw during a casual game of football.
While Stephen was known for his serious public persona, Avi wants to highlight his father’s lighter side as well. “He had a really silly streak, a truly delightful side of him,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of showing all aspects of his father’s character.
Navigating Grief and Public Life
For Avi Lewis, the memorial is not merely a public event; it represents a deeply personal journey amidst his new political responsibilities. Balancing grief with the demands of party leadership is no small feat, especially with recent challenges such as the departure of Alexandre Boulerice, the NDP’s sole Quebec MP, to pursue provincial politics.
Avi expressed his apprehension about the emotional weight of the memorial. “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. This candid admission highlights the universal struggle of reconciling personal loss with public expectations.
Reflecting on his own path to leadership, Avi acknowledged the irony of having once distanced himself from politics. “I grew up without an interest in politics,” he admitted, instead gravitating towards journalism, his mother Michele Landsberg’s profession. Yet, in a moment of shared understanding, he recalled his father’s reaction when he finally decided to run for the leadership: “What took you so long?”
Why it Matters
The upcoming memorial for Stephen Lewis serves not only as an opportunity to honour a significant political figure but also as a reminder of the personal connections that underpin political life. Avi Lewis’s reflections on his father’s legacy encapsulate the duality of grief and public duty, illustrating how personal histories shape political narratives. As the new NDP leader, Avi stands at a pivotal moment, where he must honour his father’s memory while forging his own path, potentially reinvigorating the party’s direction in a complex political landscape.
