Former politician, diplomat, and activist Stephen Lewis passed away at the age of 88. Lewis, a former leader of the Ontario NDP and Canadian ambassador to the United Nations, died peacefully in hospice care in Toronto early Tuesday morning, according to a statement from the Lewis family. The statement highlighted Lewis’s resilience in battling cancer for the last eight years, reflecting his unwavering commitment to advocating for justice and dignity for all.
Avi Lewis, Stephen Lewis’s son, was elected leader of the federal NDP on Sunday. The Stephen Lewis Foundation praised Stephen Lewis for his tireless efforts in advancing social justice and human rights, touching the lives of many. Tributes poured in from various political figures following his passing, with Prime Minister Mark Carney commending Lewis as a compassionate leader in Canadian democracy and a global advocate for human rights.
Born in 1937 in Ottawa, Stephen Lewis served as an MPP for the New Democrats in Ontario’s legislature from 1963 to 1978, including a tenure as leader of the provincial NDP from 1970 to 1978. Under his leadership, the party achieved Official Opposition status in the province’s 1975 election. After stepping down from his political roles in 1978, Lewis transitioned into media commentary and labor arbitration.
Lewis’s impactful career extended beyond politics, as he served as Canada’s ambassador to the UN from 1984 to 1988 and later held key positions within UNICEF and as the UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. Time Magazine recognized him in 2005 as one of the world’s most influential individuals for his dedication to advancing global health and human rights causes. Lewis’s contributions were further acknowledged through numerous honorary doctorates and prestigious awards, including being named a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2003.
As details for a memorial are being arranged, the legacy of Stephen Lewis continues to be celebrated by those who remember him as a captivating orator and a champion for social justice on a global scale.