Marion Dewar : A Life of Action

A beloved mayor, her activism on behalf of refugees gives her accomplishments special resonance today

Marion Dewar could never ignore injustice. Mayor of Ottawa from 1978–1985, Dewar worked tirelessly to bring about non-profit housing, better public transportation, support and encouragement for the arts, for peace, and for women’s rights. She advocated for visible minorities, gays and lesbians, and was the driving force behind the initiative to bring 4,000 boat people to Ottawa from Vietnam and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. She was a prominent member of the New Democratic Party and sat as a Member of Parliament from 1987–1988. Added to this was the challenge and success of raising four children.
Women’s history scholar Deborah Gorham shows us a woman who took action when it counted most. Marion Dewar most likely never thought of herself as a radical, but she broke stereotypes in a radical way. Her legacy is a wonderful example of public life.