Avi Lewis, the newly elected federal leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), is set to honour the memory of his father, Stephen Lewis, in a public memorial this weekend. Stephen Lewis, whose career spanned significant roles in politics and diplomacy, passed away just two days after his son’s election to leadership on March 29. As Avi prepares to share his father’s legacy, he reflects on their poignant final conversations and the profound impact his father had on both his life and the broader political landscape.
A Father’s Reassurance Amidst Change
In the lead-up to his election, Avi Lewis found himself grappling with the pressures of leadership. During a candid conversation with his father, who was battling terminal cancer, he expressed his anxieties. “I’m actually kind of nervous. I’m stressed. It’s a lot that’s coming up,” he admitted. Instead of offering political advice, Stephen provided a comforting paternal reminder: “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.”
These words resonated deeply with Avi, who, despite being 58, felt the weight of his father’s experiences and wisdom. “In that conversation, I felt like a kid being reassured by a parent,” he reflected.
Celebrating a Distinguished Life
The memorial service planned for Toronto Metropolitan University is poised to be a significant event, featuring prominent figures such as Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and former Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella. Avi, along with his sisters Ilana and Jenny, will share personal anecdotes that illuminate the man behind the public figure. “We want to share some of that to fill out the portrait,” Avi stated, highlighting his father’s multifaceted character beyond his political accomplishments.
Stephen Lewis, who led the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978, served as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations and founded the Stephen Lewis Foundation, dedicated to addressing HIV/AIDS in Africa. His contributions to society were vast, and the family hopes to encapsulate both his public triumphs and private joys during the memorial.
Navigating Personal and Political Realms
As Avi steps into his new role as federal NDP leader, he faces immediate challenges, including the recent announcement that Alexandre Boulerice, the party’s sole MP from Quebec, is leaving for provincial politics. While the weight of political responsibilities looms large, Avi emphasises that the memorial will not serve as a political platform. “It won’t be a political moment for me. I’m not naive about the fact that there’s an interest,” he said.
Avi recalls his childhood experiences accompanying his father on the campaign trail, moments that shaped his understanding of politics—though he initially pursued journalism instead. “I grew up without an interest in politics,” he admitted, only to find himself stepping into a role that mirrors his father’s political journey. Reflecting on their conversations, he shared a humorous exchange: when he finally expressed his intention to run for leader, Stephen’s first reaction was, “What took you so long?”
Why it Matters
The upcoming memorial not only serves as a tribute to Stephen Lewis’s remarkable legacy but also offers a glimpse into the personal side of a family deeply intertwined with Canadian politics. As Avi Lewis embarks on his leadership journey, the values and lessons imparted by his father will undoubtedly resonate within the NDP and beyond. This moment of remembrance encapsulates the intersection of familial bonds and public service, reminding us of the human stories that underpin political narratives. In a time of political uncertainty, the dedication to honouring past legacies provides a foundation for future aspirations, urging current and future leaders to remain grounded in their personal histories while navigating the complexities of governance.
