Politicians paid tribute in the House of Commons to Alexa McDonough recently, commemorating her as a bold advocate for social justice and a forerunner for women in Canadian politics.
McDonough, a former leader of the federal NDP, died on January 15 in Halifax at the age of 77 after a protracted battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
While paying tribute to her, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh told the Commons that the death of McDonough’s was not only a loss for her family and New Democrats, but for every Canadian. He added that McDonough was an individual that fought her whole life for social justice, championed women in politics and never ran away from challenges.
He said: “She broke barriers for people in a profound way,” Singh said. “She broke barriers so that other people could dream big and do the same.”
Singh made it known that McDonough was innovative and radical by the standards of the time in fighting for the inclusion of every individual irrespective of race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation.
He said: “Her story is truly one of dedication, determination and decency. She was a remarkable trailblazer.”
McDonough was the first woman to pilot a major political party in Canada when she was chosen as leader of the Nova Scotia NDP in 1980. She was made leader of the federal NDP in 1995 and served as the party’s leader till 2003.
She made her mark at the federal level as a champion for social programs and gender equality and she retired from politics in 2008.
Liberal cabinet minister Carolyn Bennett revealed she was elected to Parliament with McDonough in 1997, and she remembered every effort of McDonough to reconstitute the all-party women’s caucus. Bennett revealed the phrase “you should” would be McDonough’s advice to every young woman in Canada that is contesting for political office.
She said: “Today we honour the legacy of this tremendous politician who demonstrated how important it is to our democracy that good and great people run for public office.
“Alexa will continue to inspire us all.”
Nova Scotia Conservative MP Chris d’Entremont said McDonough was a woman with vision who was close to people.
d’Entremont said: “Her determination in all of her commitments will certainly be remembered and recognized forever as an important gift and a source of inspiration to many women for generations to come.”
On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, MP Marilène Gill remarked that McDonough fought against health care cuts and fought for improved access to employment insurance benefits for workers.
Gill said: “Here in the House of Commons, she showed determination as a woman in a man’s world.”
MPs marked McDonough’s death with a moment of silence.
