I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Stephen Lewis at the age of 88, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was a titan of democratic socialism with a global outlook that spoke to our better angels. His oratory remains legendary around the world. He could hold a room like no other. My thoughts go out to Stephen's wife Michelle, to Avi and the entire Lewis family.
Stephen Lewis spent a lifetime fighting for what mattered most: human rights, equality for women, and justice for the world’s most vulnerable—especially African families devastated by HIV/AIDS. His weapon was his voice, and it was one of unmatched eloquence, integrity, and conviction. He had the moral courage to speak out when it mattered. In the hallways of the UN to the corridors of power, he cornered political leaders and pushed them to act with urgency.
Even in his final years, he faced illness with the same indomitable energy that defined his life’s work. As his family so powerfully shared, he remained committed to “the unending struggle for justice and dignity for every human life.” That commitment never wavered. Avi's speech at the NDP Convention in Winnipeg spoke beautifully about how closely Stephen watched the details of the NDP leadership race. What a proud moment it must have been for him to witness the announcement of the leadership result.
Whether as a political leader, diplomat, or global advocate, he championed the disenfranchised, spoke out against violence and inequality, and helped bring the realities of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa to the world’s attention with urgency and humanity. He had a rare ability to both challenge and collaborate—to speak hard truths while still bringing people together to act. For those of us in political life, he asked us dig deeper and bring moral courage, urgency and clarity to our work. I was honoured that he attended my event when I first ran federally in 2015 - and, as always, he inspired the entire room.
His legacy is profound and enduring, reflected not only in policy and social progress, but in the countless lives he touched and inspired through his indomitable work ethic. He made us all better.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who were moved by his words and his work. The world has truly lost a uniquely remarkable generational voice that will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders.
