Avi Lewis, the newly elected leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), is navigating a significant personal and professional transition, compounded by the recent death of his father, Stephen Lewis. As he steps into this influential role, Lewis carries with him not only the weight of political expectations but also the poignant memories of a father who shaped his political consciousness.
A Personal Connection Amidst Public Life
In the lead-up to his election on March 29, Avi Lewis found himself in frequent conversations with his father, who was battling terminal cancer. During one of their weekly discussions, the younger Lewis expressed his apprehensions about the challenges ahead. “I’m actually kind of nervous. I’m stressed. It’s a lot that’s coming up,” he confided. In response, Stephen, a veteran of the political arena and an esteemed diplomat, offered calm reassurance. “You don’t have to do anything that you haven’t been doing for months. You’re doing great. Stay calm. Stay clear. You’ve got this,” he advised, embodying the nurturing spirit of a father even as his own time was drawing to a close.
Tragically, Stephen Lewis passed away just two days after his son’s election, marking a poignant intersection of personal loss and political responsibility for Avi. While a private family funeral was held earlier this month, a public memorial service is set for this Sunday at Toronto Metropolitan University, where family, friends, and political figures will gather to honour Stephen’s extensive contributions to politics, humanitarian work, and global advocacy.
Celebrating a Life of Advocacy and Service
The memorial service promises to be a heartfelt tribute, featuring notable speakers such as Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and former Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella. Avi and his sisters, Ilana Landsberg-Lewis and Jenny Lewis, are expected to share personal anecdotes that reflect the multifaceted nature of their father. “He was a very unusual person, with many hidden talents,” Avi remarked, recalling a moment from his youth when his father demonstrated an unexpected athleticism by throwing a perfect spiral football pass—an event that left a lasting impression on him.
Avi painted a picture of Stephen as a deeply private individual who thrived in public roles yet enjoyed a variety of personal depths. “He had a really silly streak, a truly delightful side of him,” Avi noted, emphasising the desire to convey a fuller portrait of their father at the memorial. This service will serve not only to celebrate Stephen Lewis’s illustrious career but also to reveal the intimate dynamics of family life behind the public persona.
Navigating Leadership in Challenging Times
As Avi Lewis assumes leadership of the federal NDP, he faces immediate challenges, including the unexpected announcement that Alexandre Boulerice, the party’s sole MP from Quebec, will be stepping down to pursue provincial politics. Lewis, who has been acclimatising to his role amidst a swirl of political activity, acknowledged the complexities associated with this transition. “It won’t be a political moment for me,” he asserted, recognising the inevitable public interest in his personal grief.
The emotional weight of the memorial is not lost on him. “We’re all just embarrassed about losing it emotionally in front of a group of people,” he admitted, reflecting on the shared human experience of mourning. Yet he also expressed hope that the ceremony would allow for a communal healing process.
A Legacy of Leadership and Personal Reflection
Born in 1967, Avi Lewis grew up in a politically charged environment, witnessing his father’s rise to prominence within the Ontario legislature. Although he initially veered towards journalism—a field influenced by his mother, Michele Landsberg—his path eventually led him back to politics, much to Stephen’s delight. “What took you so long?” was the elder Lewis’s response when Avi finally decided to run for party leadership.
Now, as he embarks on a new chapter in his political career, Avi Lewis stands at the intersection of personal legacy and public service. His father’s extensive contributions to Canadian society and global humanitarian efforts continue to resonate, shaping not only his own political aspirations but the broader narrative of progressive politics in Canada.
Why it Matters
The passing of Stephen Lewis marks the end of an era in Canadian politics, while Avi Lewis’s ascent to leadership signals a continuing legacy of public service imbued with personal significance. As he grapples with the dual roles of mourning a father and leading a national party, the NDP stands at a pivotal moment. The party’s future will be shaped not only by strategic policy decisions but also by the values and vision instilled by Stephen Lewis—a reminder of the enduring power of compassion and social justice in the political arena.