NDP stalwart Stephen Lewis remembered as someone who demanded better from everyone
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Canadian activism legend Stephen Lewis is being remembered as a tireless fighter who demanded better from everyone.
Lewis, the former leader of the Ontario NDP, Canadian ambassador to the United Nations and longtime journalist and environmental activist, died Tuesday morning, according to his family.
In a statement, his family said Lewis spent the last eight years of his life battling cancer “with the same indomitable energy he brought to his lifelong work: the endless struggle for justice and dignity for every human life.
“The world has lost a voice of unmatched eloquence and integrity.”
Former NDP MP Charlie Angus said he first learned about Lewis at the age of nine while growing up in Timmins, Ontario, when his grandmother, a mining widow, stopped him from playing to hear a politician talk about their plight.
“He was talking about widows and he was talking about industrial disease and how we had to fight it. And my grandmother said, no one ever spoke for us before,” Angus said in his voiceover.
“That was the moment I realized that politics means serving those who have no voice.”
Angus, who served as his area’s MP from 2004 to 2025, said he would remember Lewis for his “moral determination” and “his incredible eloquence”.
“He really shredded the politics that were all about hits, spin for the afternoon,” Angus said.
“He spoke from that moral core that we all have to be better. And wherever he spoke, he emphasized that people also have to step up and be better.”
‘Pillar of compassionate leadership’: Carney
Lewis’ death comes just days after the death of his son Avi Elected leader of the federal NDP.
New Democrat Congressman Don Davis, who servedAs interim leader of the party, N.G. He said he was grateful to Lewis‘S Contribution to “NDP, Canada and the World”.
“We have lost a true Canadian titan. Deepest condolences to Evie and family – blessed to have them.” Father Lived to see his incredible achievement as a leader,” He said in a post on social media.
Lewis served as An Ontario New DemocracyT MPP started in 1963as d leader of team From 1970 to 1978.
After leaving politics Lewis became a distinguished diplomat. He was appointed Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations in 1984 by former Progressive Conservative Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. He was later appointed Special Adviser on African Affairs to the United Nations Secretary-General.
In 2006 he Established Stephen Lewis Foundation to help people living in Yth HIV/AIDS.
Former United Nations ambassador and Ontario NDP leader Stephen Lewis has died at the age of 88, the Stephen Lewis Foundation announced on its website Tuesday. Lewis is the father of Avi Lewis, who was elected leader of the federal NDP on Sunday.
prime minister mark Carney He said he joins Lewis in mourning, He called her “a pillar of compassionate leadership in Canadian democracy and a renowned global champion for human rights and multilateralism.”
“Lewis inspired millions with his appeal for a kinder and just society,” they wrote in a statement.. Carney praised Lewis positioned Canada “as a principled leader in ending apartheid in South Africa”, believing that “appropriate health care is vital to reducing poverty and growing economies.”
In his work in the fight against AIDS, Carney called Lewis a “PR”Urged the world to view the human toll of this horrific pandemic not as a distant tragedy, but as a shared responsibility that requires global action.N.”
Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles N saidNew Democrats across the province are “mourning the loss of a principled and extraordinary political voice.”
“He fought tirelessly to provide equal opportunity for workYes-“Train Canadians and stand up to inequality,” he wrote in an online tribute.
“For me, Stephen was a trustworthy person Consultantand a sounding board who was generous with his time, kindness And intelligence. “
A life’s work fighting inequality
British Columbia’s NDP Premier David Eby remembered Lewis As “an incredible human being”.
“As an NDP leader, as a global advocate to fight HIV and AIDS, and as Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Stephen always put people first,” she wrote on social media.
After NDP members voted Avi Lewis as their new federal leader at the party convention on Sunday, the new leader talked about his father, former Ontario NDP leader Stephen Lewis — who is in hospital. Lewis said his father ‘is not doing very well, but he is still with us and ready to see the next chapter of our movement.’
Jane Hassum, executive director of the Broadbent Institute, which was founded by Lewis’s colleague Ed broadbentSaid that Canada had lost “a great man”.
“From Union Hall to Legislative Hall, his voice inspired, his actions made a difference,” she wrote in a social media post.
“What?NADA has lost a champion for human rights, climate and justice,” Green Party leader Elizabeth May said on social media. “Such a bitter day so soon after Evie Lewis’ victory.”
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre expressed “his condolences to Stephan Lewis’s loved ones, including his son Avi. May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled.”
