Avi Lewis finds himself at a poignant intersection of personal loss and public responsibility as he prepares to honour his father, Stephen Lewis, during a memorial service at Toronto Metropolitan University. Just days after being elected as the new leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), the younger Lewis grapples with the emotional weight of his father’s passing, which occurred mere days after his leadership victory on March 29.
A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy
Stephen Lewis, a prominent figure in Canadian politics, served as the leader of the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978, later holding the role of Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations. His illustrious career is marked by a profound commitment to social justice and advocacy, particularly in addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa through the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which he founded.
The upcoming memorial is set to be a public celebration of Stephen’s extraordinary life, featuring notable speakers including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and former Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella. Avi, alongside his sisters, Ilana and Jenny, will share personal anecdotes that reflect not just Stephen’s public persona, but also the private man they knew and loved.
A Father’s Wisdom in Times of Stress
In a candid conversation with his father just before his election, Avi confided his anxieties about the responsibilities ahead. “I’m actually kind of nervous. I’m stressed. It’s a lot that’s coming up,” he recalled, revealing the comforting reassurance provided by Stephen. “You don’t have to do anything that you haven’t been doing for months. Just keep it up,” his father advised, embodying the nurturing spirit of a parent, even in the face of his own health challenges.
This paternal guidance will resonate deeply with Avi as he navigates the complexities of his new role, particularly following the recent announcement of Alexandre Boulerice’s departure from his position as the NDP’s only Quebec MP to pursue provincial politics. Avi remarked on the emotional nature of the memorial service, acknowledging the inevitable vulnerability that comes with public grief. “We’re all just embarrassed about losing it emotionally in front of a group of people,” he said.
Remembering the Man Behind the Public Figure
While Stephen Lewis had a public life filled with significant achievements, Avi emphasised his father’s more personal traits, revealing a man with hidden talents and a playful spirit. “He was a quarterback of the Harbord Collegiate football team,” Avi recalled fondly, reminiscing about a rare moment in which his father demonstrated his athletic prowess with a perfect football throw. “He fired a perfect spiral like a laser,” Avi said, laughing at the unexpectedness of the encounter.
Despite being a private individual who shied away from a bustling social life, Stephen left an indelible mark on those who knew him, displaying both adventure and silliness. Avi expressed a desire to share these dimensions of his father during the memorial, highlighting the multifaceted nature of a man who was both a public servant and a loving parent.
Bridging Personal and Political Realms
As Avi Lewis steps into his leadership role amidst a challenging political landscape, he is determined to honour his father’s legacy while navigating the complexities of Canadian politics. His upbringing, steeped in the world of politics, was marked by both fascination and a desire to carve his own path in journalism, a field influenced by his mother, journalist Michele Landsberg. Reflecting on his journey, he noted the irony of his father’s response when he announced his candidacy for NDP leader: “What took you so long?”
With the memorial service approaching, Avi acknowledges the blend of personal and political sentiments that will permeate the event. “It won’t be a political moment for me,” he stated, reiterating that the day is primarily about remembering and celebrating his father’s extraordinary life.
Why it Matters
The memorial service for Stephen Lewis not only serves as a tribute to a remarkable life but also encapsulates the profound impact one individual can have on both familial and national levels. As Avi Lewis assumes his leadership post, he carries forward the values and lessons imparted by his father, which are likely to influence his approach to politics in Canada. In a time when political discourse often feels divisive, the legacy of compassion and advocacy that Stephen Lewis championed may inspire a new generation of leaders to prioritise social justice and community engagement in their political pursuits.