OPSEU/SEFPO mourns the passing of Stephen Lewis, who had a deep impact on our union as an inspiring advocate for social justice and partner in the fight to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Lewis passed away on March 31, 2026 at the age of 88. Over the course of the past six decades, he made immense contributions to struggles for social justice and human rights in Canada and internationally, including through a close connection with OPSEU/SEFPO.
Lewis served as a member of provincial parliament, leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party, Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, and founded the Stephen Lewis Foundation to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS.
In recognition of his tireless efforts to advance human rights and social justice, Lewis was awarded OPSEU/SEFPO’s Stanley H. Knowles Humanitarian Award in 2001.
OPSEU/SEFPO established the Live and Let Live Fund in 2003 to help alleviate suffering caused by HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa and Ontario. From its inception, the Live and Let Live Fund partnered directly with the Stephen Lewis Foundation, making an annual donation and hosting a silent auction at our Convention.
OPSEU/SEFPO expresses our condolences to the family and friends of Stephen Lewis, along with our deep gratitude for his lifelong commitment to advancing social justice.
Image: Stephen Lewis Foundation