Avi Lewis, the newly elected leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), finds himself navigating an emotional landscape as he prepares to honour his late father, Stephen Lewis, in a public memorial service. The elder Lewis, a towering figure in Canadian politics and humanitarian work, passed away just two days after his son’s historic election to the party leadership on March 29. As Avi steps into his new role, he carries both the weight of his father’s legacy and the personal memories that shaped him.
A Father’s Reassurance
In a recent conversation, Avi recalled a poignant exchange with Stephen just before the leadership election. Over the phone, he expressed his anxiety about the challenges ahead. “I’m actually kind of nervous. I’m stressed. It’s a lot that’s coming up,” he admitted. Stephen, who was battling cancer, offered a comforting response: “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.”
For Avi, these words were not just a father’s counsel but a reminder of the deep bond they shared. Despite the generational gap—Stephen at 88 and Avi at 58—Avi felt a sense of reassurance akin to that of a child being comforted by a parent.
Celebrating a Multifaceted Life
The memorial service, set to take place at Toronto Metropolitan University, promises to reflect the extensive career of Stephen Lewis. Known for leading the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978, serving as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, and founding the Stephen Lewis Foundation to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa, Stephen’s influence spans decades.
Among the speakers will be notable figures such as Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and former Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella. Avi, along with his sisters Ilana Landsberg-Lewis and Jenny Lewis, intends to provide a more personal portrayal of their father, highlighting not only his public accomplishments but also his hidden talents and playful spirit. “He had a really silly streak, a truly delightful side of him. I think we want to share some of that to fill out the portrait,” Avi noted.
Reflecting on their father’s private nature, Avi conveyed that Stephen often kept his social life to a minimum, perhaps exhausting his capacity for social interaction through his numerous public roles. This memorial will serve as a moment to unveil the lesser-known aspects of Stephen’s character.
A New Chapter for Avi
As Avi Lewis embraces his new responsibilities as federal NDP leader, he faces the ongoing challenge of leading the party through a critical period. His recent election coincided with unexpected developments, including the announcement that Alexandre Boulerice, the NDP’s sole MP from Quebec, would be stepping into provincial politics.
While preparing for the memorial, Avi emphasised that the occasion would not be a political platform for him. “It won’t be a political moment for me. I’m not naive about the fact that there’s an interest,” he commented. Instead, he aims to focus on the emotional journey of grief, recognising the vulnerability that such moments evoke. “We’re all just embarrassed about losing it emotionally in front of a group of people, and everybody knows it’s actually okay,” he shared.
The Legacy of a Political Family
Avi Lewis’s path to leadership has been shaped by a lifetime of political awareness, albeit initially from a distance. Born in 1967, he spent his formative years observing his father’s political career. He fondly recalled accompanying Stephen on the campaign trail during the 1975 election, an experience that left a lasting impression. “We were fascinated by Dad’s job,” he recalled, sharing anecdotes of being on the campaign bus, engaging with voters, and even being stung by a bee while his father worked the streets of Toronto.
Although he initially pursued a career in journalism—his mother’s profession—Avi eventually found himself drawn back to politics. When he informed his father of his decision to run for the NDP leadership, Stephen’s response was simple yet loaded with familial pride: “What took you so long?”
Why it Matters
The upcoming memorial for Stephen Lewis serves as a poignant reminder of the intertwining of personal and political legacies. For Avi Lewis, it is not only a tribute to his father’s extensive contributions to Canadian society but also a moment of introspection as he steps into a role that will undoubtedly shape his own legacy. As the NDP faces new challenges, Avi carries with him both the weight of his father’s influence and the love of a family eager to honour a remarkable life. This interplay of grief and leadership will resonate throughout the party and the nation, spotlighting the profound impact of familial bonds in the world of politics.