Steven Lewis, right, former UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, responds to media at a news conference at the beginning of a three-day convention as former NDP Leader Jack Layton looks on Friday, Sept. 8, 2006, in Quebec City. (CP PHOTO/Jacques Boissinot)

By The Canadian Press

Reactions to the death of former politician and social activist Stephen Lewis

Mar 31, 2026 | 2:51 PM

OTTAWA — —

“Mr. Lewis was a tireless advocate for global justice, equity and human dignity. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and all those around the world whose lives he touched.”

— Governor General Mary Simon

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“It’s really hard to encapsulate the kind of impact that he’s had … It’s a huge loss.”

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— Former NDP national director Anne McGrath

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“Stephen was a giant in our movement. He fought tirelessly to level the playing field for working class Canadians and take on inequality head-on. For me, Stephen was a trusted adviser and a sounding board who was generous with his time, kindness and wisdom.”

— Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles

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“He helped position Canada as a principled leader in ending apartheid in South Africa and believed that proper health care was key to reducing poverty and growing economies. As the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, and later as the co-founder of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, he pressed the world to see the human toll of this horrific epidemic not as a distant tragedy, but as a shared responsibility that demanded global action.”

— Prime Minister Mark Carney

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“I was sad to hear of the death of Stephen Lewis, who spent many decades serving the people of Ontario and Canada, including during his time as leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party.”

— Ontario Premier Doug Ford

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“Stephen Lewis was a giant in our movement whose unshakable humanitarian values and drive to build a better world uplifted and inspired millions of people.”

— Former NDP strategist Jordan Leichnitz

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“Stephen Lewis was a giant in our party who had a profound impact around the world. My thoughts are with Avi, the whole Lewis family, and everyone feeling this loss.”

— NDP MP Heather McPherson

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“Throughout his career, Stephen Lewis worked to create a better world. As leader of the Ontario NDP, as Canada’s Ambassador to the UN, as UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDs in Africa, and then through the work of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, he dedicated his public life to making a difference. Like everyone who has had the chance to hear Stephen Lewis speak, I was inspired by the causes he fought for and the eloquence with which he comforted the afflicted and afflicted the comfortable.”

— Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck

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“Celebrating his life, achievements, and contributions is easy. He was one of the greatest political orators Canada has ever produced, and it is no exaggeration to say that his work as the United Nations’ Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS saved millions of lives.”

— Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi

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“Stephen Lewis was a titan in our movement. He fought for working people. He used his eloquence and moral clarity as a voice for the voiceless. He never stopped fighting. He will be dearly missed.”

— Former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh

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“Stephen was a giant in so many ways. Amidst the sorrow of his passing, I’m heartened that he lived long enough to see his son become leader of the NDP.”

— Former NDP MP Peter Julian

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 31, 2026.

Canadian Press staff, The Canadian Press