Avi Lewis, the newly elected leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), finds himself navigating the complexities of leadership while grappling with the profound loss of his father, Stephen Lewis, who passed away just two days after his son took on the mantle of party leadership on March 29. As the family prepares for a public memorial service at Toronto Metropolitan University, Avi shares poignant memories and insights into his father’s remarkable life and legacy in politics.
A Son’s Heartfelt Conversation
In a recent reflection, Avi Lewis recounted a significant conversation with his father shortly before the election. Feeling the weight of the moment, he confided in Stephen about his nerves and the challenges ahead. The elder Lewis, despite his own battle with terminal cancer, offered support and comfort, reminding his son to rely on the skills he had cultivated throughout the campaign. “You don’t have to do anything that you haven’t been doing for months. Just keep it up. You’re doing great,” he reassured, a testament to the unbreakable bond between father and son.
Avi Lewis expressed how, in that moment, he felt like a child again, receiving encouragement from a parent. “He’s 88. I’m 58. Neither of us has been a kid for a very long time, but in that conversation, I felt like a kid being reassured by a parent.”
Honouring a Political Giant
Stephen Lewis, a towering figure in Canadian politics, led the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978, later serving as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations. He also founded the Stephen Lewis Foundation, dedicated to addressing HIV/AIDS in Africa. The upcoming memorial service promises to celebrate his multifaceted career, featuring notable speakers such as Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and former Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella.
In a more intimate setting, Avi and his sisters, Ilana and Jenny, aim to share personal anecdotes that reveal the lesser-known facets of their father. Avi noted that while their mother, journalist Michele Landsberg, would not be speaking due to health reasons, he and his siblings will offer a glimpse into Stephen Lewis’s character beyond his public persona. “He was a very unusual person, with many hidden talents,” Avi remarked, recalling a rare moment of athletic prowess when his father threw a football with surprising precision during a casual outing.
The Personal Meets the Political
As Avi Lewis steps into his role as federal NDP leader, he faces the dual challenge of mourning his father while leading a party facing significant hurdles, including recent news of Alexandre Boulerice’s departure from federal politics to pursue opportunities at the provincial level. “It won’t be a political moment for me,” he stated, acknowledging the emotional gravity of the memorial service. “We’re all just embarrassed about losing it emotionally in front of a group of people, and everybody knows it’s actually okay.”
Reflecting on his upbringing, Avi shared memories of accompanying his father on the campaign trail during the 1975 election. Those formative experiences, while initially sparking curiosity rather than ambition, ultimately paved the way for his own political journey. He chuckled at his father’s reaction when he finally decided to run for leadership, recalling, “What took you so long?”
A Legacy of Compassion and Courage
Stephen Lewis’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment to social justice and human rights. He was known for his moral vision and ability to articulate the struggles of the marginalized. His influence extended beyond politics, impacting countless lives through his advocacy work. The upcoming memorial service will not only honour his contributions but also reflect the deep personal loss felt by his family.
As Avi Lewis takes on this pivotal role during a transformative period for the NDP, he carries forward his father’s values of compassion and courage. The intersection of personal grief and political responsibility presents a unique challenge, yet it also offers an opportunity to honour Stephen Lewis’s enduring legacy in a meaningful way.
Why it Matters
The memorial service for Stephen Lewis serves as a poignant reminder of the impact one individual can have on the lives of many. As Avi Lewis steps into a leadership role amidst personal loss, his journey encapsulates the delicate balance between familial duty and public service. The legacy of Stephen Lewis continues to inspire not only his family but also a generation of politicians and activists committed to social change. In these challenging times, the values he championed remain vital to the ongoing discourse in Canadian politics and beyond.
