As he steps into his new role as federal leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), Avi Lewis finds himself navigating both the challenges of political leadership and the profound emotional weight of his father Stephen Lewis’s recent passing. Just days before his election on March 29, Avi confided in his father, who had been battling cancer, about the stresses of the campaign and the responsibilities that lay ahead. Their conversation offered a poignant moment of reassurance that would resonate deeply as Avi embarks on this significant chapter.
A Father’s Wisdom During a Defining Moment
In a heartfelt exchange, Avi Lewis shared that his father, despite his declining health, provided him with the comfort that only a parent can offer. “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,” Stephen advised, words that now echo in Avi’s mind as he takes on the leadership mantle. The emotional gravity of that moment is further underscored by the fact that Stephen succumbed to his illness merely two days after his son assumed leadership.
This familial bond is set to be celebrated in a memorial service to be held at Toronto Metropolitan University. The event will not only honour Stephen’s remarkable career—spanning his time as Ontario NDP leader, his role as Canada’s UN ambassador, and his advocacy against HIV/AIDS—but also provide an intimate glimpse into his life through the eyes of his children. Avi, alongside his sisters Ilana and Jenny, plans to share personal anecdotes that highlight the multifaceted character of their father, who was known as much for his political acumen as for his playful spirit.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Action
Stephen Lewis’s contributions to Canadian politics and global humanitarian efforts are well-documented, but his children recall a man with a rich personal life beyond public service. Avi reminisced about a rare moment when his father showcased an unexpected athletic prowess while tossing a football, a vivid memory that encapsulates the blend of seriousness and playfulness that defined Stephen Lewis. “He had a really silly streak, a truly delightful side of him,” Avi noted, emphasising the need to portray the full spectrum of his father’s personality during the memorial.
Stephen’s legacy will undoubtedly loom over Avi’s leadership journey. As he grapples with the position’s demands—accelerated by unexpected developments like the departure of Alexandre Boulerice, the party’s sole Quebec MP—Avi seeks to forge his path while honouring his father’s influence. He has expressed a desire to maintain a focus on the personal rather than the political during the memorial, acknowledging the duality of grief and public expectation.
Navigating New Challenges in Leadership
For Avi Lewis, the transition to federal leadership is steeped in both personal and political significance. Born in 1967, just four years after his father entered the Ontario Legislature, he recalls being captivated by politics from a young age, although he initially pursued a career in journalism rather than following directly in his father’s footsteps. His decision to run for leadership came with a mix of nostalgia and urgency, leading Stephen to quip, “What took you so long?”
Now, as he prepares to navigate the complexities of leading the NDP, including recent setbacks and the need for strategic direction, Avi Lewis is acutely aware of the expectations placed upon him. His role is not just a continuation of his father’s legacy but also a chance to carve out his identity within the party and the broader political landscape.
Why it Matters
Avi Lewis’s ascension to the leadership of the NDP comes at a pivotal moment for the party and Canadian politics as a whole. With a legacy steeped in advocacy and a personal connection to the challenges of political life, he embodies a bridge between past and present. As he reflects on his father’s influence and the lessons learned, his ability to navigate the emotional complexities of leadership while addressing the pressing issues of the day will be crucial. The upcoming memorial service will serve not only as a moment of remembrance but also as a reflection of the values and vision that will shape the NDP under Avi Lewis’s stewardship—a testament to the enduring impact of Stephen Lewis’s legacy on the next generation of leadership in Canada.
