With fond remembrance and deep gratitude, we mark the life of Stephen Lewis, a beloved comrade, tireless champion of social justice, ally of all working people and great friend to CUPE Ontario.
We honour Stephen for his lifetime of activism, action and compassion, from his years spent leading the Ontario New Democrats to the foundation that bears his name. There can be no doubt that our party, our province, and the world were made better by Stephen’s fundamental care, expansive intellect, giant heart and democratic socialist soul.
CUPE Ontario was fortunate to host Stephen Lewis at several union events over the years. His commanding oratory held CUPE members spellbound on many occasions. In his memory, we invite you to watch the address he gave ten years ago at CUPE Ontario’s Secretary-Treasurers Conference. He spoke eloquently of the work of AIDS-Free World and of what the solidarity of the trade union movement meant to him and the organization:
“We couldn’t do our work without your support. It’s difficult work, but it’s so good to be able to say to the world, the trade unions are with us. The social justice dollars that the trade unions spend, that support the way in which we can transform and alter social injustice – it’s just a joy.
“I’m with so many non-governmental organizations and charitable institutions and they say proudly, well, they get money from this corporation and that corporation and I smile and say, “We get money from unions! Working people who care about this issue!” … [W]e are in a community of support and activism that derives from people who have no pretension, who understand injustice in the world.”
On behalf of CUPE Ontario’s 309,000 members, in every corner of our province, we send our deep condolences and solidarity to the Lewis family, to all those who worked closely with Stephen over his many years of profound political and social justice work, and to all those who were inspired by his words and his deeds.
