In a poignant intersection of personal loss and political responsibility, Avi Lewis, the newly elected leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), prepares to honour his late father, Stephen Lewis, at a memorial service this Sunday. Stephen, a towering figure in Canadian politics and social advocacy, passed away just two days after his son assumed leadership on March 29, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly influenced both Canadian politics and global humanitarian efforts.
A Father’s Guidance in Times of Stress
In the days leading up to his election, Avi Lewis found himself grappling with the pressures of leadership. During a heartfelt phone call with his father, he laid bare his apprehensions. “I’m actually kind of nervous. I’m stressed. It’s a lot that’s coming up,” he admitted. Stephen, who was battling terminal cancer, responded with characteristic warmth and reassurance, encouraging his son to remain composed: “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.”
Despite the weight of the situation, Avi recalled feeling like a child once more, comforted by the steady presence of a father who had been a guiding light throughout his life. Stephen Lewis, who led the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978 and served as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, was known for his moral clarity and commitment to social justice.
A Memorial of High Profile and Personal Remembrance
Following a private family funeral earlier this month, the upcoming memorial at Toronto Metropolitan University promises to be a significant public affair. The event will feature notable speakers including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and former Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella, alongside family members who will share personal anecdotes that highlight Stephen’s multifaceted character. Avi Lewis indicated that he and his sisters aim to provide a deeper understanding of their father, who, despite his high-profile roles, possessed a playful and adventurous spirit.
“He had a really silly streak, a truly delightful side of him,” Avi shared, emphasizing the desire to showcase these lesser-known facets of Stephen’s personality. “Maybe he exhausted his lifetime supply of socialising in the many public roles that he had,” he quipped, reflecting on his father’s preference for privacy outside of his extensive public engagement.
The Weight of Leadership and Grief
Avi Lewis’s new role comes with its own set of challenges, not least of which is navigating unexpected developments such as the recent announcement that Alexandre Boulerice, the NDP’s sole MP from Quebec, is transitioning to provincial politics. These hurdles highlight the demanding nature of party leadership at a time when the NDP is seeking to solidify its position on the national stage.
“I’m not naive about the fact that there’s an interest” surrounding the memorial, Avi remarked, noting the complexity of blending personal grief with public expectation. He acknowledged the emotional weight of such occasions, where the fear of public vulnerability mingles with the necessity of sharing one’s sorrow. “We’re all just embarrassed about losing it emotionally in front of a group of people,” he said, acknowledging the universal nature of grieving.
A Legacy of Influence and Personal Journey
Born in 1967, Avi Lewis was introduced to politics at an early age, accompanying his father on campaign trails. His youthful experiences, from bee stings on the Danforth to the tactile lessons at a pulp mill, shaped his understanding of the political landscape. However, he initially chose to carve out his own path in journalism, a field more aligned with his mother’s profession, distancing himself from the political spotlight.
Looking back, Avi finds humour in his youthful resistance to following in his father’s footsteps. When he finally decided to run for NDP leader, Stephen’s first reaction was a good-natured surprise: “What took you so long?”
Why it Matters
The intertwining of Avi Lewis’s ascent in the NDP with the remembrance of his father underscores a pivotal moment in Canadian politics. As Avi steps into his role, he carries not only the weight of leadership but also the enduring legacy of Stephen Lewis, who championed social justice and global health issues. This memorial serves as a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on both familial bonds and the broader political discourse, highlighting the importance of compassionate leadership in times of uncertainty. As the NDP faces new challenges, the lessons of Stephen Lewis’s life and values may provide essential guidance for the party’s future direction.
