Marion Dewar: A Life of Action with Deborah Gorham
In Person Big Ideas History
Marion Dewar was a remarkable champion of what was right and just.
Join us for a celebration of the life of one of Ottawa’s most beloved leaders, a woman who took action when it counted most.
Marion Dewar could never ignore a person who was begging in the street. Along with money, she would offer words of encouragement and friendship. Perhaps it was her training as a nurse, her devout Catholic upbringing, or maybe it was simply because she was a genuinely compassionate woman.
As mayor of Ottawa from 1978-1985, Marion 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 Southeast Asia. She was a prominent member of the New Democratic Party and sat as a Member of Parliament in 1987-1988–all while raising four children.
Books available for purchase at every event: Proceeds support our free children’s literacy programs.
