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Stephen Lewis, Influential AIDS Advocate and Diplomat, Dies at 95

4/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Stephen Lewis, a Canadian leftist leader and diplomat, died on April 9, 2026, in Toronto from cancer.
He was a key New Democratic Party figure and led Ontario in the 1970s.
Lewis later served as a United Nations ambassador and UNICEF deputy executive director, focusing on AIDS in Africa.
Vuyiseka Dubula of the Stephen Lewis Foundation called him an inspiration and confidante to many activists in the fight against AIDS.

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Story summary

Stephen Lewis, a Canadian leftist leader and diplomat, died on April 9, 2026, in Toronto from cancer.
He was a key New Democratic Party figure and led Ontario in the 1970s.
Lewis later served as a United Nations ambassador and UNICEF deputy executive director, focusing on AIDS in Africa.
Vuyiseka Dubula of the Stephen Lewis Foundation called him an inspiration and confidante to many activists in the fight against AIDS.