Tributes are coming in following the death of former Ontario NDP leader Stephen Lewis, with messages from political leaders, labour organizations, and community advocates across Canada.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles described Lewis as a principled and influential voice who helped shape the party and champion the rights of working class Canadians. She pointed to his legacy as both a political leader and mentor who influenced generations of New Democrats.
Prime Minister Mark Carney also paid tribute, calling Lewis a pillar of compassionate leadership and a global champion for human rights. He noted Lewis’s role in helping position Canada as a principled voice in the fight against apartheid in South Africa, as well as his belief in the importance of accessible health care in reducing poverty.
Lewis served as leader of the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978 and represented Scarborough West as a Member of Provincial Parliament. During his time at Queen’s Park, he was involved in advancing policies such as rent control and strengthening worker protections. His support for the 1974 Elliott Lake miners’ strike contributed to the development of Ontario’s occupational health and safety framework.
Beyond provincial politics, Lewis served as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations and later as the UN Special Envoy for HIV AIDS in Africa, where he became a leading global advocate for action on the crisis. He later co founded the Stephen Lewis Foundation to continue that work.
Labour organization CUPE also recognized Lewis as a lifelong advocate for social justice and workers’ rights.
Leaders across the country extended condolences to his family, saying his legacy will continue through the work and values he championed.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
