​What a Political Pedigree Avi Lewis Brings to His New Job as the Leader of the New Democratic Party

David Lewis

Any politician would love to have his contribution to public life be
​symbolized by a single phrase. For Avi Lewis’ grandfather, David, his phrase was “corporate welfare bums” which he coined in 1972 for large corporations receiving largesse from government.

David’s son, Stephen Lewis, Avi’s father who died this week from cancer, became known as this country’s “finest orator, with indomitable energy and unmatched commitment to social ​justice.”

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Stephen Lewis

​Now, Avi Lewis, grieving son of Stephen, is launching his career as federal NDP leader, at an incredible time for Canada as a nation. It is too early for Avi to be viewed in such glowing terms, but he has a strong family foundation of dedication to social justice, to build on. 

​With his experience as a journalist and filmmaker, Avram David “Avi” Lewis, 58, is young on the political stage.

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Avi Lewis

The label “gadfly” is sometimes used in prerogative terms, as a pest or irritant. But in the best usage of the term “gadfly” the ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates, described himself as a gadfly stinging the “sluggish horse of Athens” to keep active and thinking. Refusing to flee into exile, the great philosopher accepted his death sentence by common hemlock.

Avi Lewis, leaving aside any will to be a martyr, can also be described as a gadfly with a similar potential to shake up the Canadian political system. Like his father he is a very good speaker, with what seems to be limitless energy. Avi also handles himself well in both official languages. He is married to the high-profile environmental activist, Naomi Klein, and they have one son.

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Still, the member of the Lewis clan who has the weightiest resume is Stephen Lewis.
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The former Progressive Conservative Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney, surprised pundits by plucking Stephen Lewis from Ontario politics to be Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations. Lewis had risen in his eight years, 1970-78, to be Leader of the Opposition in Ontario. 

Mulroney and Lewis became deeply involved in supporting Nelson Mandela and his movement to end apartheid in South Africa, where Mandela had been imprisoned for 27 years. Through Mulroney and Lewis, Canada took a leadership role in the non-African world by backing Mandela and supporting sanctions against the apartheid regime.

Mandela was very appreciative of Canada’s help and visited the Canadian Parliament three times in the period 1980-2001.

Stephen went on to be appointed special advisor on African affairs to the U.N. Secretary-General, then spending four years as Secretary-General of UNICEF. He went on to be appointed the UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS. He was passionately involved in fighting the tragic toll of the virus, particularly its impact on women and children.

He continued to aim for the heart and compassion of his listeners. Journalist Steve Paikin said he had “never seen anyone move an audience like Stephen Lewis.” Lewis was never afraid of showing his emotion to his listeners. Paikin continued, “he is simply the greatest orator of his time.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney has helped us stand up to the cowardly bully, U.S. President Donald Trump. Carney does not like Trump’s 51st state talk about Canada, and he has helped us develop an “elbows up” approach to the U.S. leader. 

Anyone who watched the Junos on Monday night, knows that Canada has amazing musical talent. The host of the show, Mae Martin, with tongue in cheek, introduced folk star Joni Mitchell and Mark Carney as her parents. Later, when Martin called Carney and Mitchell up to the stage, Mitchell repeatedly said what a wonderful man Carney is.

Mitchell was presented with her lifetime achievement award, and this was accompanied by an incredible presentation of Joni’s songs by Sarah McLachlan and Allison Russell, with video of a beautiful, youthful Joni singing her songs like River and Case of You followed by her finishing, live, the words to Put Up a Parking Lot at the podium, to a huge ovation from the Junos fans.

It was a great night for Canadian music and a great night for Canada. 

Carney is doing us proud, but Avi Lewis comes out of a very strong family tradition. Carney is riding high just now, but he does sometimes stray into “banker” talk and forgets his social justice notes. Lewis will keep Carney closer to “the people,” and that is a good thing.