In a poignant moment for Canadian politics, Avi Lewis recently stepped into the role of federal leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), just two days after the passing of his father, Stephen Lewis. The elder Lewis, a towering figure in Canadian politics and advocacy, provided critical guidance during his son’s campaign, offering reassurance that echoed the values he instilled in his family. As Avi prepares to navigate the complexities of party leadership, he also honours the profound influence his father had on both his personal and political life.
A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy
Stephen Lewis, who led the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978, left an indelible mark on Canadian society. His subsequent roles as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations and founder of the Stephen Lewis Foundation showcased his commitment to humanitarian causes, particularly in addressing HIV/AIDS in Africa. His death on March 27, just prior to Avi’s election, marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to inspire.
Avi Lewis recalls the profound conversations he had with his father during the campaign, revealing a side of Stephen that was both a guiding force and a source of familial reassurance. “You don’t have to do anything that you haven’t been doing for months. Just keep it up. You’re doing great,” Stephen told his son, a testament to the nurturing relationship they shared even in the face of impending loss.
Honouring a Father’s Memory
A memorial service is set to take place at Toronto Metropolitan University to honour Stephen Lewis’s storied career. Esteemed speakers, including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and former Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella, are expected to pay tribute. Avi and his sisters, Ilana Landsberg-Lewis and Jenny Lewis, plan to share intimate family anecdotes, painting a fuller picture of Stephen beyond his public persona.
“He was a private man, but he had many dimensions,” Avi reflected. “There was a playful side to him, a silliness that we want to convey.” From unexpected moments like throwing a perfect spiral football to the memories of campaigning together, the Lewis family seeks to celebrate the multifaceted man who was as much a father as he was a statesman.
Navigating New Challenges
Now, as the new leader of the NDP, Avi Lewis is also confronted with the realities of leadership in a turbulent political landscape. Just as he was settling into his role, Alexandre Boulerice, the only NDP MP from Quebec, announced his departure to pursue provincial politics. This unforeseen development adds to the weight of responsibility Avi now carries.
Despite these pressures, he approaches the memorial service not as a political event but as a personal farewell. “It’s okay to lose it emotionally in front of a group,” he admitted, acknowledging the universal nature of grief. As he prepares to speak publicly about his father, he hopes to share not just the political legacy, but the personal memories that shaped his own journey.
Reflections on a Political Journey
The son of a prominent politician, Avi Lewis has navigated his own path, initially veering into journalism rather than politics. Yet, the call to serve in the same arena as his father was inevitable. “What took you so long?” was Stephen’s reaction when Avi finally decided to pursue the leadership role, a moment that underscored the familial expectations and the shared commitment to public service.
Avi’s upbringing was steeped in political culture, with memories of campaigning alongside his father during the 1975 election etched in his mind. These formative experiences have undoubtedly influenced his approach to leadership today, as he seeks to honour his father’s legacy while charting his own course for the NDP.
Why it Matters
The intersection of personal and political in Avi Lewis’s journey underscores the profound impact of familial relationships in shaping leadership. As he steps into a role laden with expectations, both from the party and the public, the legacy of Stephen Lewis serves as both inspiration and a guiding light. In a time when Canadian politics faces significant challenges, the ability to blend personal values with political action may prove to be the key to revitalising the NDP and furthering the progressive agenda that both father and son hold dear.
