Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA

September 15, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of Marion Dewar, C.M.:

"It was with sadness that I learned today of the passing of Marion Dewar. A passionate advocate of social justice and equality, she brought her energy and conviction to everything she did.

From her earliest days as a public health nurse in the late 1960s through an active and diverse career in public life, her leadership and determination were matched only by her compassion. No doubt, one of the greatest legacies of her three terms as mayor of Ottawa will be her work with Project 4000, launched in 1979, with the goal of finding sponsors for 4000 Vietnamese refugees in Ottawa. During the mid to late 1980s as president of the federal NDP and then as a Member of Parliament for Hamilton Mountain she vigorously championed a greater role for women in political life.

Outside of elected office she devoted her time, talents and energy to numerous community causes and in 1995 became chair of Oxfam Canada. As someone who was determined to make a difference, she has shared her enthusiasm and commitment over the years, inspiring many others to serve their community and their country through public life, notably, her own son, Paul.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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