Mar 31, 2026 5:27 PM - Connect Newsroom - Jasmine Singh with files from The Canadian Press

Stephen Lewis, a former Ontario New Democratic Party leader, Canadian diplomat and longtime social activist, has died at the age of 88.
The Stephen Lewis Foundation announced his death on its website Tuesday. No cause of death was provided.
Lewis served as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations and led the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978, according to the foundation’s statement. He later became widely known for his advocacy on global health, poverty and environmental issues.
He was the father of Avi Lewis, who was elected leader of the federal NDP on Sunday.


