Toronto, ON – In the early hours of this morning, Stephen Lewis died peacefully in Toronto while under hospice care. His loving wife Michele Landsberg, daughters Ilana and Jenny and his sister Janet were with him until the end.

Stephen spent the last eight years of his life battling cancer with the same indomitable energy he brought to his lifelong work: the unending struggle for justice and dignity for every human life.

The world has lost a voice of unmatched eloquence and integrity.

The family is asking for privacy and will not be taking media requests at this time. They will release a statement and details of a memorial in the coming days.

Avi Lewis, newly elected leader of Canada’s NDP, is travelling to Toronto to be with his family and asks for patience and grace in this difficult time.