In a poignant moment of familial connection, Avi Lewis, the newly elected leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), shared an emotional conversation with his father, Stephen Lewis, just days before the latter’s passing on March 31, 2023. As Avi prepared for the weighty responsibilities of his new role, the elder Lewis, despite his failing health, offered words of reassurance, embodying the nurturing spirit that characterised his life.
A Legacy of Leadership
Stephen Lewis, a towering figure in Canadian politics and social advocacy, served as the leader of the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978 and went on to represent Canada as Ambassador to the United Nations. His contributions, particularly through the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which focuses on combating HIV/AIDS in Africa, left an indelible mark on both domestic and international fronts. Avi Lewis, reflecting on his father’s remarkable career, noted that the upcoming memorial service at Toronto Metropolitan University will not only celebrate Stephen’s achievements but also provide a more intimate look at the man behind the public persona.
An Emotional Farewell
A private family funeral was held earlier this month, described by Avi as “an incredibly intense, powerful, deeply sad and beautiful experience.” The public ceremony promises to bring together notable figures, including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and former Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella, alongside Stephen’s children. As they prepare to share personal anecdotes and reflections, Avi expressed a desire to showcase his father’s multifaceted nature, illustrating the playful and adventurous spirit that often went unnoticed amidst his serious public engagements.
“There was a really silly streak to him, a truly delightful side that I think we want to share to fill out the portrait,” Avi remarked. The Lewis family intends to paint a comprehensive picture of Stephen, contrasting his public life with the personal memories that shaped them as a family.
Navigating Grief in the Public Eye
For Avi, this memorial service presents a unique intersection of personal and political life. Despite the inherent public interest in his role as the federal NDP leader, he emphasized that this occasion is primarily about mourning his father. He candidly acknowledged the anxiety surrounding public displays of emotion: “We’re all just embarrassed about losing it emotionally in front of a group of people, and everybody knows it’s actually okay.”
As he grapples with the challenges of leadership in Ottawa, including recent unexpected developments such as the departure of the NDP’s sole Quebec MP, Avi remains focused on honouring his father’s memory while managing his new responsibilities. He noted the emotional complexity inherent in this moment: “If you’re lucky, you just get swept up in it.”
A Personal Journey into Politics
Avi Lewis’s path to political leadership was not a straightforward one. Born in 1967, he initially resisted the political spotlight, instead gravitating towards journalism, a field influenced heavily by his mother, journalist Michele Landsberg. Reflecting on his youth, he recalled the excitement of accompanying his father on the campaign trail, yet he never envisioned following in his footsteps until recently. When he finally decided to seek the NDP leadership, his father’s reaction was one of encouragement: “What took you so long?”
This transition from a reluctant observer to a leader in his own right marks a significant turning point in both his life and the NDP’s trajectory. With Stephen Lewis’s legacy as a guiding force, Avi is poised to navigate the challenges of contemporary Canadian politics.
Why it Matters
The memorial service for Stephen Lewis represents more than just a farewell; it is an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact of his life’s work on Canadian society and global humanitarian efforts. As Avi Lewis steps into his role as NDP leader, he carries with him not only his father’s legacy but also the weight of expectations in a rapidly changing political landscape. This moment serves to remind us of the personal narratives that underpin political journeys and the enduring influence of familial bonds in shaping leadership styles and values.
