Avi Lewis, recently elected as the leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), is poised to honour his late father, Stephen Lewis, in a heartfelt memorial service this Sunday. As he navigates the complexities of his new role, the younger Lewis recalls intimate conversations with his father, who passed away shortly after he assumed leadership on March 29. This poignant moment not only marks a significant familial milestone but also serves as a reflection of Stephen Lewis’s profound influence on Canadian politics and humanitarian efforts.
A Father’s Wisdom in Times of Stress
In the weeks leading up to his election, Avi Lewis frequently turned to his father for guidance. During one particularly candid phone call, he expressed his anxiety about the impending responsibilities he would shoulder. “I’m actually kind of nervous. I’m stressed. It’s a lot that’s coming up,” he confided. Stephen Lewis, who was battling terminal cancer, responded with the reassuring words of a parent: “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.”
This moment encapsulates the enduring bond between father and son, providing comfort amidst the turbulence of political life. Avi reflected on how, despite their age difference—Stephen at 88 and he at 58—he felt like a child again, seeking solace from a father figure he admired deeply.
A Public Celebration of Legacy
Following a private family funeral earlier this month, which Avi described as “incredibly intense, powerful, deeply sad and beautiful,” the memorial service will take place at Toronto Metropolitan University. This event aims to celebrate Stephen Lewis’s illustrious career in politics, diplomacy, and advocacy, bringing together notable figures such as Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and former Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella.
Avi, alongside his sisters Ilana and Jenny, plans to share personal anecdotes that reveal different facets of their father’s character. They aim to portray Stephen as not only a political stalwart but also a man with hidden talents and a playful spirit. “He had a really silly streak, a truly delightful side of him,” Avi noted, adding that they hope to present a fuller picture of the man who touched so many lives.
Navigating Grief in the Public Eye
For Avi Lewis, the memorial service transcends a mere political event. He acknowledges the dual nature of the occasion, recognising the public’s interest in his father’s legacy while grappling with his own emotional journey. “It won’t be a political moment for me,” he stated, emphasizing that the event is more about personal reflection and familial remembrance than political posturing.
The apprehension surrounding public displays of emotion is palpable. “We’re all just embarrassed about losing it emotionally in front of a group of people, and everybody knows it’s actually okay,” he admitted. Yet, he understands that shared grief can be a powerful unifying experience, transforming the ceremony into a moment of collective healing.
A Shift from Journalism to Politics
Avi Lewis’s journey into politics may come as a surprise to those familiar with his career in journalism. Born in 1967, he grew up observing his father’s political life from the sidelines, often accompanying him during election campaigns. “We were fascinated by Dad’s job,” he recalled, sharing anecdotes from his childhood that highlight his initial disinterest in politics and preference for journalism—his mother Michele Landsberg’s field.
However, when he finally decided to pursue leadership within the NDP, his father’s response was both amusing and encouraging: “What took you so long?” This exchange highlights the deep-rooted familial influence that shaped Avi’s eventual political aspirations.
Why it Matters
The memorial service for Stephen Lewis is not merely an occasion to mourn a remarkable life; it is also a crucial moment for Avi Lewis as he steps into a leadership role that carries the weight of his father’s legacy. As he grapples with the challenges ahead, including the recent departure of Alexandre Boulerice, the NDP’s only Quebec MP, the emotional resonance of this public tribute underscores the blend of personal and political that defines Canadian leadership. In honouring his father’s contributions and character, Avi Lewis not only pays tribute to a significant figure in Canadian history but also sets the stage for his own journey in shaping the future of the NDP and the country.
