Avi Lewis, newly elected leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), prepares to honour his father, Stephen Lewis, in a public memorial service at Toronto Metropolitan University. This poignant event comes just days after Stephen passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a significant legacy in Canadian politics, diplomacy, and humanitarian advocacy.
A Father-Son Connection in Challenging Times
In the lead-up to his election as NDP leader on March 29, Avi Lewis found himself grappling with a mix of excitement and anxiety. During a heartfelt phone call with his father, who was battling cancer, Stephen offered words of encouragement that would resonate deeply with his son. “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,” Stephen reassured his son, demonstrating the enduring bond between them, even in the face of adversity.
Avi Lewis recalls the conversation vividly, feeling momentarily transported to a place of comfort and support. “In that conversation, I felt like a kid being reassured by a parent,” he reflected, highlighting the personal nature of their relationship amidst the political pressures surrounding him.
Celebrating a Multifaceted Legacy
The memorial service, scheduled for Sunday, promises to celebrate Stephen Lewis’s remarkable career and contributions. Esteemed guests, including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and former Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella, will join family members, including Avi and his sisters, Ilana and Jenny, to share their memories. While the family held a private funeral earlier this month, this public ceremony will provide a platform for them to express their gratitude and love for Stephen’s profound impact on their lives and on society.
Avi Lewis intends to provide a more intimate perspective of his father, revealing the lesser-known aspects of Stephen’s character. “He was a very unusual person, with many hidden talents,” Avi noted, recalling his father’s unexpected athletic prowess as a former quarterback. “He fired a perfect spiral like a laser,” he reminisced, illustrating a moment of surprising playfulness that contrasts with Stephen’s public persona.
Navigating Grief in the Public Eye
As the memorial approaches, Avi Lewis acknowledges the complexities of mourning in a public setting. “It won’t be a political moment for me. I’m not naive about the fact that there’s an interest,” he said, acknowledging the dual nature of his role as a politician and as a grieving son. He expressed the common fear of losing composure in front of an audience but also recognised the significance of emotional expression during such moments. “If you’re lucky, you just get swept up in it,” he added, underscoring the cathartic power of shared grief.
With the challenges of his new leadership position looming, including the recent announcement of Alexandre Boulerice’s departure from federal politics, Avi is poised to take on the responsibilities of leading the NDP while honouring his father’s memory and legacy.
A New Chapter in Political Life
Avi Lewis’s journey into politics may have been unanticipated, especially given his initial inclination towards journalism, following in his mother’s footsteps. However, as he stepped into the role of NDP leader, he found himself reflecting on his family’s political history. He fondly recalled accompanying his father on the campaign trail during his youth, captivated by the world of politics. “We were fascinated by Dad’s job,” he said, sharing vivid memories of those formative experiences.
As he steps into the leadership spotlight, he recalls a moment of levity when he disclosed his political aspirations to his father, who responded with a chuckle: “What took you so long?” This exchange encapsulates the support and expectations that come with being part of a political family.
Why it Matters
Avi Lewis’s ascension to NDP leadership represents not only a continuation of his family’s political legacy but also an opportunity to redefine the party’s voice in contemporary Canadian politics. As he navigates the complexities of his new role while honouring his father’s illustrious legacy, he embodies the intersection of personal and political narratives that shape the fabric of Canadian society. The memorial service serves as a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on both their family and the broader community, inspiring a new generation to engage in the political discourse that defines our nation.
