Stephen Lewis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephen Lewis
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Lewis in 2009
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| Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations | |
| In office September 15, 1984 – July 1988 |
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| Preceded by | Gérard Pelletier |
| Succeeded by | Yves Fortier |
| Leader of the Official Opposition in Ontario | |
| In office October 28, 1975 – April 29, 1977 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Nixon |
| Succeeded by | Stuart Lyon Smith |
| Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party | |
| In office October 4, 1970 – February 5, 1978 |
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| Preceded by | Donald C. MacDonald |
| Succeeded by | Michael Cassidy |
| United Nations Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa | |
| In office June 1, 2001 – December 31, 2006 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Elizabeth Mataka |
| Deputy Director of UNICEF | |
| In office 1995–1999 |
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| Member of Provincial Parliament for Scarborough West |
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| In office September 25, 1963 – November 10, 1978 |
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| Preceded by | New district |
| Succeeded by | Richard Johnston |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Stephen Henry Lewis
November 11, 1937 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | March 31, 2026 (aged 88) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Political party | New Democratic (federal) Ontario New Democratic (provincial) |
| Spouse |
Michele Landsberg
(m. 1963) |
| Children | 3, including Avi and Jenny |
| Parent |
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| Relatives | Lewis family |
| Occupation |
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Stephen Henry Lewis CC (November 11, 1937 – March 31, 2026) was a well-known Canadian politician, speaker, and diplomat. He led the Ontario New Democratic Party (ONDP) from 1970 to 1978. At just 26, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. In 1975, he became the province's Official Opposition Leader. Later, he served as Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations from 1984 to 1988.
Stephen Lewis's father, David Lewis, was also a political leader. He led the federal New Democratic Party (NDP) during much of Stephen's time in provincial politics. As a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Scarborough West, Stephen Lewis helped his party become the Official Opposition in 1975. After his political career, he worked as a broadcaster. In the mid-1980s, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney appointed him as Canada's ambassador to the United Nations. He later worked with various UN agencies. This included a special role as the first United Nations Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa in the 2000s. Stephen Lewis passed away on March 31, 2026, at the age of 88.
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Early Life and Education
Stephen Lewis was born in Ottawa, Ontario, on November 11, 1937. His parents were Sophie Lewis and David Lewis. His grandfather, Morris Lewis, was an activist. Stephen was born on Armistice Day, a day for peace. Because of this, his parents gave him the Hebrew name "Sholem," which means peace.
His father was a leader of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF). This party later became the NDP. When his family moved to Toronto in 1950, Stephen attended Oakwood Collegiate Institute and Harbord Collegiate Institute for high school.
In 1956, he started at the University of Toronto. He joined the debating team there. In 1957, he debated against John F. Kennedy, who later became the American president. Many people thought Stephen's performance was excellent. He also studied at the University of British Columbia.
Stephen Lewis's Political Journey
In the 1960s, Stephen Lewis traveled and worked in Africa. This experience greatly influenced his life and future work.
Leading the Ontario NDP
He returned to Canada and was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 1963. He was only 26 years old. In 1970, Stephen Lewis became the leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party.
During his early leadership, a group called "The Waffle" had different ideas within the party. Lewis felt this group was causing problems. He worked to ensure the party stayed united.
In 1974, Lewis supported miners in Elliot Lake. He pushed for a special study on health and safety in mines. This led to the creation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act in 1979. This law helped protect workers.
Lewis led a strong campaign in the 1975 Ontario general election. He spoke passionately about issues like rent control and workplace safety. His party gained many new supporters. The NDP doubled its seats from 19 to 38. They became the Official Opposition, which was a big achievement.
The next election in 1977 was not as successful. The NDP lost some seats and its Official Opposition status. In 1978, Lewis stepped down as party leader and as a Member of Provincial Parliament.
Diplomatic Work
After leaving politics, Lewis worked as a mediator and commentator. In 1984, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney appointed him as Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations. He served in this important role until 1988. He also advised the UN Secretary General on Africa until 1991.
From 1995 to 1999, Lewis was a deputy director at UNICEF. This organization helps children around the world. From 2001 to 2006, he was the United Nations Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. In this role, he brought attention to the health crisis in Africa. He urged leaders and the public to help those affected. He was widely praised for his effective work. In 2005, he wrote a book called "Race Against Time." It described the challenges in responding to the health crisis in Africa.
Stephen Lewis's Other Activities
Broadcasting Career
After his political career, Stephen Lewis became a well-known broadcaster. He was a commentator on CITY-TV's CityPulse News and CKEY radio. He also appeared on Peter Gzowski's Morningside on CBC Radio One. In 1982, he won an award for his commentary.
Academic Roles
In 2006, Lewis joined McMaster University as a scholar-in-residence. He also became a senior fellow at Massey College at the University of Toronto. He was a visiting professor at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University).
Stephen Lewis Foundation
Stephen Lewis chaired the board of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. This non-profit group helps people affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. In 2009, he helped with a campaign called "A Dare to Remember." This campaign encouraged Canadians to do challenges to raise money for the foundation. Lewis even sang live on TV as part of the campaign.
AIDS-Free World
In 2007, Lewis co-founded AIDS-Free World with Paula Donovan. This organization works to improve global efforts against HIV and AIDS. They advocate for more effective ways to help people.
Family and Passing
Stephen Lewis had three siblings. Two of them were also active in the Ontario NDP. His sister Nina Lewis-Libeskind is married to architect Daniel Libeskind.
In 1963, Lewis married journalist Michele Landsberg. They had three children: Ilana Landsberg-Lewis, Avi Lewis, and Jenny Lewis. Avi is a filmmaker and politician. Jenny is a casting director. Ilana was the executive director of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Stephen's daughter-in-law, Naomi Klein, is an author and activist.
Stephen Lewis passed away in Toronto on March 31, 2026. He was 88 years old. His son Avi was elected federal NDP leader just two days before his passing.
Stephen Lewis's Honours and Legacy
Stephen Lewis was known for his powerful public speaking. Many considered him one of the best Canadian political speakers of his time. He was a lifelong supporter of democratic socialist ideas.
For his humanitarian work in Africa and with the United Nations, he received a high honour. Governor General Adrienne Clarkson appointed him a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2002. He also gave the annual Massey Lecture in 2005. This was published as the book Race Against Time: Searching for Hope in AIDS-Ravaged Africa. The book discussed the health crisis in Africa and how the world responded.
Lewis received the Pearson Medal of Peace for his public service. Maclean's magazine named him Canadian of the Year in 2003. In 2005, Time magazine listed him as one of the world's 100 most influential people.
In 2006, two new high schools were named after him. These were Stephen Lewis Secondary School in Mississauga and Stephen Lewis Secondary School in Vaughan. The Mississauga school focuses on teaching students about social justice and global citizenship.
In 2007, King Letsie III of Lesotho honoured Lewis with the Most Dignified Order of Moshoeshoe. In 2010, Forbes magazine named him one of the world's most powerful feminists. He also received Canada's Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
In 2013, the University of Toronto gave him the Bonham Centre Award. This recognized his work in advancing human rights education. Stephen Lewis received 42 honorary doctorates from universities. This is one of the highest numbers for any Canadian.
