In a poignant intersection of personal history and public duty, Avi Lewis, the newly elected leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), finds himself navigating the complexities of leadership amidst the recent passing of his father, Stephen Lewis. As he gears up for a memorial service honouring his father’s distinguished career, Avi recalls intimate moments from their conversations and the profound influence Stephen had on his life and the political landscape of Canada.
A Father’s Reassurance
Before stepping into his new role, Avi Lewis experienced a moment of vulnerability during a phone call with his father, shortly before Stephen’s death on March 31. “I’m actually kind of nervous. I’m stressed. It’s a lot that’s coming up,” Avi confessed, revealing the weight of expectations as he prepared to lead the NDP. Stephen, who was battling cancer, offered his son the comfort only a parent can provide. He reassured Avi, saying, “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.”
The conversation encapsulated the bond between them, transcending the pressures of political life. “In that moment, I felt like a kid being reassured by a parent,” Avi reflected.
A Memorial of Significance
The memorial service scheduled for Sunday at Toronto Metropolitan University will not only celebrate Stephen Lewis’s remarkable contributions as a politician and diplomat but also serve as a personal tribute from his family. In attendance will be prominent figures including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and former Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella, alongside Stephen’s children, who will share their reflections on a father they describe as a man of many dimensions.
Avi noted that their mother, journalist Michele Landsberg, would not be speaking at the event due to health issues. Instead, he and his sisters, Ilana Landsberg-Lewis and Jenny Lewis, aim to provide a more nuanced portrayal of their father, highlighting both his public accomplishments and private quirks. “He was a very unusual person, with many hidden talents,” Avi recalled, sharing a memory of Stephen astonishingly throwing a perfect spiral football pass during their childhood.
Balancing Personal and Political Life
As Avi Lewis embarks on his leadership journey, he faces immediate challenges, including the recent announcement that Alexandre Boulerice, the NDP’s sole MP from Quebec, is stepping down to pursue provincial politics. This unexpected development adds to the pressure on the new leader as he seeks to establish his vision for the party amidst a shifting political landscape.
Despite the weight of his responsibilities, Avi is determined to honour his father’s legacy without overshadowing the personal grief he and his family are experiencing. “It won’t be a political moment for me,” he stated, acknowledging the emotional stakes involved. “We’re all just embarrassed about losing it emotionally in front of a group of people, and everybody knows it’s actually okay.”
A Legacy of Advocacy and Influence
Stephen Lewis’s political journey began in 1970 when he became leader of the Ontario NDP, a role he held until 1978. Following this, he served as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations and founded the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which has made significant strides in addressing HIV/AIDS in Africa. His influence reached far beyond the political arena, inspiring countless individuals through his advocacy work and commitment to social justice.
Avi, who was born in 1967, recalls accompanying his father on campaign trails, initially fascinated by the political world. However, he pursued a career in journalism, often deflecting questions about his own political ambitions. “I look back at that now and can’t help laughing because when I told Dad I was going to run for leader about a year ago, his first reaction was, ‘What took you so long?’”
Why it Matters
The forthcoming memorial service for Stephen Lewis represents more than just a farewell to a cherished father; it is a moment for the nation to reflect on the legacy of a man whose work shaped Canadian politics and international humanitarian efforts. As Avi Lewis steps into his new role, the interplay of personal loss and public duty serves as a powerful reminder of the human stories behind political narratives. In honouring his father’s memory, Avi is not only paying tribute to a remarkable figure but also setting the tone for his own leadership as he seeks to navigate the challenges ahead in a pivotal moment for the NDP.
