FALL 2019 CONTENTS

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Meeting re-cap 3 to 7 AGM ceremony gallery 8 to 9

NOTICE

Holiday Social 10 NEWS

Educational Foundation 11 to 13 Social Media 14

SPEAKER SERIES

History 15 to 17 Reflection 18 to 19 New Role 20 Meet 21 to 23

PROFILES

Donna Cansfield: A Life of Service 24 to 27 : A Political Journey 28 to 30

OBITURARY

Marvin Shore 31 CONTACT Page 32

AGM A Remarkable Day BY DAVID WARNER

All rise to toast Her Majesty, the Queen of (Photo courtesy of Victoria Esterhammer)

Our Annual General Meeting (2003 – 2014) during which time was mostly celebratory, reflecting on she held 4 different Cabinet posts: the achievements of the past year. Municipal Affairs and Housing; We were able to announce that the Labour; Responsible for Seniors; and press clipping service which had Natural Resources. As well, she was been curtailed due to a contract ne- Chair of Cabinet. In 2014 she was gotiation had been reinstated as of elected Mayor of Brampton. the past Friday. Tribute was paid to our longest serving board member, A special visitor to our meeting Karen Haslam. After 18 years she was Ian Waddell, Chair of the Cana- thought it was time to retire. Karen dian Former Parliamentarians Edu- then volunteered to take the min- cational Foundation. An interesting utes of our AGM. Her energy, en- connection to Queen’s Park for this thusiasm and unwavering support of former MLA from OAFP will be deeply missed. is that he once debated in our Pink Palace in a high school mock parlia- The remaining group from ment. 2018-19 were re-elected to the Board and a new board member The 1st Session of the 42nd added, Linda Jeffery. Linda was an Parliament began with a stirring MPP for Brampton Centre and later presentation of “O’Canada” by a Brampton-Springdale for 3 terms choir from the Holy Name of Mary -05 college School (in the riding of Pierre Trudeau, Justice Minister Mississauga–Lakeshore). at the time, in the early 1960s for More than 20 former MPPs, along agreeing with her that he’d decrim- with Steven Pengelly, son of Dr. inalize abortion by removing it from Bette Stephenson, sat in Speaker’s the Criminal Code but not following Gallery to hear tributes from the 4 through on his word. I hope that we Parties in the House. Below are —especially the young women excerpts from the Hansard: listening today—walk away moti- vated by her strongest skill set: per- Hon. Stephen Lecce: Hon- sistence and determination. ourable colleagues, I rise in this chamber to recognize a trailblaz- Mr. John Fraser: She was a er among us. The late Bette Ste- trail-blazer for women in medicine, phenson was ’s first female in politics and in public life. She Minister of Education. In this role, was once asked if she was a she left a legacy and she led the feminist, and she answered, “I am a way in establishing special educa- human-ist—I believe the most tion in this province. Dr. Stephen- qualified person should get the job, son dedicated her life to the service and if that means some men are left of others and achieved so much in behind, so be it.” public service. Dr. Stephenson was a strong Here’s her response to repeat- advocate for her constituents in ed opposition attacks: “Mr. Speak- North York, for women and for er ... I am extremely flattered that plain-spoken common sense. the opposition has taken the trou- ble to research so many of my old Ms. Jill Andrew: While my speeches in various other roles. I five minutes cannot begin to paint think that is an honour not usually the entire canvas that was Dr. Ste- accorded to a freshman member of phenson’s illustrious trajectory in this House.” What a graceful reply. politics and medicine, she amassed a number of historical leadership Mr. Mike Schreiner: I had the firsts that in their time shook the opportunity to have a meeting in foundation of a patriarchal cul- the boardroom in the Ministry of ture and can never be overstated Education, where there are pictures enough in their significance for to- of all the past Ministers lined up on day’s aspiring and current girl and the wall: as you would expect, for women achievers. decades, man after man after man, From her honorary doctorates, her until there was Dr. Stephenson on many chairpersonships and her the wall. I was not struck so much memoir, A Short Book About a by her being a trailblazer and the Long Life, to her even calling out first, but by how many women Ministers had followed her since and The InFormer AGM

A group of Former Members gather for a photo on the Grand Staircase prior to meeting Premier Ford in the Cabinet Office

Two Premiers, Hon. Ernie Eves and Hon. Doug Ford, seated at the Cabinet Table -07 by how many openings of doors she the challenges of debating Minister had created over her distinguished Stephenson in the House, then lat- career. er when Sean Conway was Minister, the deep affection which the staff Prior to being present to hear the had for their former boss. tributes, we gathered on the Grand Staircase for photos, then moved to In accepting the Award on be- the Cabinet Room where Premier half of Dr. Stephenson’s family, Ford greeted the group. Time for Stephen Pengelly said that his mom more photos. would have been very proud that her colleagues from all three Par- When we gathered for lunch ties thought so highly of her. She we were joined by Hon. Elizabeth would have been very humbled in Dowdswell, the Lieutenant Governor accepting the Award. This rang true of Ontario and Mr. Gregory Stanford for me. When I called Bette to let Consul General of the United States. her know that she was being award- ed our DSA, her response was, “Me! Our delicious buffet lunch was Why me? I haven’t done anything.” followed by the Distinguished Ser- vice Award Ceremony. The speech- Our wonderful, remarkable day es by Premier Eves, was completed appropriately with a and Sean Conway were given with a visit to the Vice Regal Suite to view sincere fondness and a deep un- an exhibit “Speaking of Democra- derstanding of the truly remarkable cy”, an exhibition which explores trail blazer, Dr. Bette Stephenson. the roots of, threats to, and promise Ernie Eves had been Bette Stephen- within democracy. son’s Parliamentary Assistant. Truly a remarkable day! Later on, when Bette Stephen- son had retired she was one of the founders of the Justin Eves Foun- dation, an organization dedicated to assisting post-secondary learning disabled students. Marion Boyd, as a high school student, had been a patient of Dr. Pengelly. The doc-tor couple shared a medical practice so Marion Boyd got to know both Drs. Pengelly and Stephenson. Sean Conway was the next Minister of Education to follow in the footsteps of Bette Stephenson. He recalled Bette Stephenson (Photo courtesy of The College of Fam- ily Physicians of Canada) The InFormer AGM Gallery

(Left to right) Steve Pengelly, son of Dr. Bette Stephenson, Hon. Elizabeth Dowd- swell, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Sean Conway, Marion Boyd, Doug Moffatt, Hon. Ernie Eves attended the Distinguished Service Award ceremony

Members pay rapt attention to the video interview of Dr. Bette Stephenson Steve Paikin of TVO’s The Agenda enjoying the presentations

Monte Kwinter, Gina Odella and Speaker . Below-Bill Barlow, Premier Ford, Janice Barlow

Photos courtesy of: Victoria Esterhammer NOTICE Holiday Social

Photo courtesy of: Zena Salem

Ontario Association of Former Parliamentarians Association Ontarienne des ex-parlementaires

The OAFP Chair & Board Members invite you to our annual holiday social.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 4-7 PM Room 1612, Whitney Block Queen’s Park

Please confirm at your earliest by e-mail or phone: 416-325-4647 E-mail: [email protected] -011 Educational BY ANNAMARIE CASTRILLI Foundation

Annamarie Castrilli (Photo courtesy of: Victoria Esterhammer) An Exciting New Initiative : non-partisan organization whose The Educational Foundation of the objects, in part, are: Ontario Association of Former Par- liamentarians / - to serve the public interest by pro- La Fondation Pour L’Education de viding non-partisan support for the l’Association des Ex-Parlementaires parliamentary system of government de l’Ontario in Ontario; and

The story of the Educational Foun- - to put the knowledge and experi- dation of the Ontario Association of ence of its members at the service of Former Parliamentarians / La Fon- parliamentary democracy in Ontario dation Pour L’Education de l’Asso- and elsewhere. ciation des Ex-Parlementaires de Because of its stated objectives, OAFP l’Ontario (the Foundation) begins has, since its inception, expressed an with the establishment of the Ontar- interest in establishing a foundation io Association of Former Parliamen- dedicated to creating and funding tarians/ L’Association des Ex-Parle- programs particularly in the areas of mentaires de l’Ontario (OAFP). education, parliamentary democracy and good governance. OAFP was created by an Act of the Ontario Legislature (Ontario Asso- To celebrate OAFP’s 20th year, this ciation of Former Parliamentarians has now become a reality. Act (S.O. 2000, CHAPTER 60) as a The InFormer NEWS In fact, the Foundation was incor- Foundation proposes to: porated by members of OAFP as a Canada not-for profit corporation on - financially assist post-secondary July 18, 2017. It became a Canadian students in Ontario who demonstrate registered charity on July 29, 2019. an interest in parliamentary de- Its initial directors and officers are: mocracy by awarding annual schol- arships to be administered by Ontario - Chair: Annamarie P. Castrilli, for- Colleges and Universities. mer MPP, lawyer, academic and a past Chair of the Governing Council - organize intensive 3-day programs of the University of . at Queen’s Park for groups of senior high school students. Included in each - Vice-Chair: David W. Warner, for- program will be meetings with mer MPP and Speaker of the Ontario Members of Provincial Parliament, Legislature, teacher, writer and Chair attendance at Parliamentary of the Ontario Association of Former Committee Meetings, meetings with Parliamentarians. the Speaker, the Clerk of the Legislature and the Sergeant-at- - Secretary/Treasurer: Steve Arms, observing the House in Gilchrist, Former MPP and Minister session, meeting with the Legisla- of Municipal Affairs and Housing and tive Interns and visiting the Ontario sponsoring member of the Legis- Court of Justice. lation which created OAFP. - create a travel abroad program for The Foundation, under its Articles of political science students attending Incorporation can have a minimum Ontario Colleges and Universities to of 3 and a maximum of 15 directors. experience other parliamentary de- Anyone can serve as long as he or mocracies. In each venue students she is a member of OAFP. And there would, among other activities, meet is also the opportunity to become a with elected representatives, attend member or a patron. at government sittings and visit the highest courts in the chosen juris- The stated purposes of the Founda- diction. tion are to raise funds and support the domestic and international pro- Some destinations currently under grams of OAFP directed towards the consideration are: fostering of democratic institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad and - London, England - Students to encourage young Ontarians and would travel to Westminster where Canadians to become well-informed they would engage in meetings with and engaged citizens. Members of Parliament, Members of the House of Lords, the Speaker of Among its initial programs, the the House of Commons and the Clerk -013 of the House of Commons. Attend The overall objectives of any such Parliamentary Committee Meetings, programs are: observe both the House of Commons and the House of Lords in session, - to encourage young people to learn and visit the Supreme Court of the more about the democratic system of United Kingdom. government;

- Brussels, Belgium - Students - to realize that such a system is would travel to Brussels where only as strong as we make it, and they would meet with the Secre- tariat-General and Members of the - that it is a privilege to be treasured European Parliament, observe the and encouraged. Parliament in session, attend at a Parliamentary Committee Meeting, A bold new initiative to celebrate 20 and, where possible, meet with na- years of the Ontario Association of tional delegations. Former Parliamentarians!

- Future programs could involve similar activities in the United States at both the national and state levels and in other countries in the world that are governed by parliamentary democracies.

All such initiatives of the Foundation will take into consideration the mul- ticultural nature of our province, our bilingualism, gender parity and the participation of students from First Nations.

The InFormer NEWS

Social Media Facebook: @ONTAFP

The Ontario Association of Former Parliamentarians is now on Facebook!

Please like and follow our page to stay updated on events, photo albums and announcements.

Feel free to message us and tell us what you would like to see on our page.

Keep an eye out for further social media expansion!

Search: https://www.facebook.com/ONTAFP/

New video up on Youtube channel:

Dr. Bette Stephenson Tribute -015 The Speaker: BY VICTORIA SHARIATI AND DAVID WARNER History

“I am seeking every day to restore the King did not like the direction faith in the Parliament - to ensure we Parliament was moving in. have a House of Commons which is representative, effective and recon- Initially, the Speaker was tasked nected to the people we serve.” with representing the views of the - John Bercow, Speaker of the House British monarch to Members of Par- of Commons, U. K. liament (MPs). During the English Civil War of the 17th century, how- This is a snapshot look at the history ever, the Speaker became a servant of the Speaker and the current role. of Parliament and was expected to represent the views of the MPs to the The History of Parliament’s Speaker monarch.

The role of the Speaker of the Leg- Thomas Hungerford was the first islature has deep roots in history. In Speaker of the House of Commons to 14th century England, the Speaker be elected in 1377. In 1515, the Ab- served as a mediator between the sence of Parliament Act empowered monarch and Parliament. Undeni- the Speaker to allow Members to ably, the role was dangerous, as the absent themselves from the House, Speaker could be swiftly executed if a power previously bestowed solely The InFormer Social Media upon the monarch. From then on, should vote in favour of more debate. the Speaker gradually grew to be- come more independent and more Speakers are expected to be fair and powerful. to maintain order in the Legislature. They are also responsible for staffing In 1642, King Charles I attempted and security. to arrest five members of the Com- mons who had lost confidence in When the Legislature is in session, him and emerged as a threat to his the Sergeant-at-Arms leads a pro- power. The members, lead by John cession along the hallways of the Pym, escaped arrest by fleeing to the Legislative Building to the Cham- river. When the King approached the ber. The Speaker, along with other Speaker of the House of Commons, Parliamentary staff, follows closely William Lenthall, to ask where the behind. This tradition, too, has ties five had gone, Lenthall famously re- to the Speaker’s dangerous role in plied: medieval England. The Sargeant- at-Arms reportedly had to guide the “May it please Your Majesty, I have Speaker in and out of Parliament to neither eyes to see, nor tongue to protect him from any potential at- speak in this place, but as the House tacks. is pleased to direct me, whose ser- vant I am here, and I humbly beg The Speaker’s Role in Debate Your Majesty’s pardon that I cannot give any other answer than this to The following is a description of how what Your Majesty is pleased to de- the Speaker is involved in the debate mand of me.” of legislation: In deciding who to call, the Speaker Lenthall’s reply was the first time will consider: in history that a Speaker declared allegiance to Parliament instead of to the monarch. It also coloured the •the standard practice of calling relationship between the Speaker the official spokespeople from the and the Crown, allowing the former Government and the Opposition to greater recognition as an indepen- bookmark the ends of a debate dent position. •whether some MPs have a specific In Ontario, the Speaker is elected by interest in the topic being debated other MPPs after a general election (such as a direct constituency link or and normally remains in that posi- policy expertise) tion for the duration of Parliament. The Speaker cannot participate in •an MP’s seniority debates and can vote only if there is a tie. If there is a tie, the Speaker •whether an MP has had a previous -017 opportunity to contribute

•the time available for the debate

•the need to protect the rights of parliamentary minorities. Whether mi- norities have had a chance to contribute can be an important consideration in deciding whether to bring a debate to an end.

Choosing Amendments

The Speaker has the power to decide whether, and which, amendments to bills or motions can be debated and voted on. This risks putting the Speak- er in a highly political position, having to make a judgement on which amendments are worthy of debate. However, there are several principles that guide the Speakers’ decisions and seek to ensure impartiality, the most important of which is the need to protect the rights of parliamentary mi- norities. The Speaker will usually allow amendments tabled by the Opposi- tion frontbench as a point of principle. However, they may also select a key backbench amendment to provide an opportunity for parliamentary minori- ties to air their views.

The hallway before the Library in the Legislative Building. (Photo courtesy of Victoria Esterhammer) The InFormer The Speaker The Speaker BY DAVID WARNER Reflections

Current Speaker of the House, Ted Arnott, with Former Speaker of the House, David Warner. (Photo courtesy of Victoria Esterhammer)

Reflections on the role of the Speaker yet firm. Someone who makes an effort to know every Member of the Three former Speakers David War- Legislature.” ner (1990-95), (1999-2003), Alvin Curling Should the Speaker have more au- (2003-05) and MPP Sean Conway thority? share their thoughts about the Speakership. Gary Carr raised the following: “The Speaker should have more power to What are the qualities which define allow Members to ask questions in- a good Speaker? stead of the party whips controlling who should.” Sean Conway: “Independence, firm- The same concern was mentioned ness, an understanding as well as by David Warner, “In theory the an appreciation of the parliamenta- Speaker decides which Members ry culture.” will ask questions during Question Alvin Curling: “Impartiality. A keen Period. In reality, there is a list pre- sense of listening. Respect of the pared by the Whips. However, the institution and what it represents.” Speaker should be able to deviate Gary Carr: “A good Speaker has to from that list, so that over time all be neutral, just like a referee.” Members, including Independent David Warner: “A good listener. Fair The InFormer Members have an opportunity to pose their questions.” Alvin Curling added, “The Speaker needs authority related to how commit- tees report. The Speaker also needs ways to create a more non-partisan atmosphere in the House.”

Perhaps the UK Speaker has the same frustration as their system functions much the same as ours. There, Question Period is 45 minutes, however the parties may negotiate a maximum time limit for each question and answer. Currently this limit is 35 seconds for each. The counter balance to these two opinions is that of Sean Conway, “The Speaker does not likely need any additional powers. Exercising those pow- ers which currently exist should be sufficient.”

What were the biggest challenges when you were the Speaker? Not surprisingly all three Speakers focus on the Question Period. Alvin Curling: “Establishing decorum, trying to achieve the atmosphere which is expected of a parliament.” Gary Carr: “The biggest challenge was dealing with the members during Question Period when they were trying to get media headlines by misbe- having.” David Warner: “Having decorum in the Chamber, especially during Ques- tion Period.”

It would be great to hear from our members. What is your opinion? Should the Speaker have more authority? Photo courtesy of Victoria Esterhammer The Speaker The Speaker New Role WELLINGTON, New Zealand - The them,” he said. The most famous man who presides over New Zea- parliamentary infant is Neve, the land’s Parliament has been called a daughter of Prime Minister Jacinda baby whisperer. Ardern, who in June 2018 became just the second elected world lead- He was in action again this er in modern history to give birth week, gently rocking, bottle feeding while holding office. and burping a colleague’s infant as a lawmaker ranted about gas prices. Coffey said he’d just gotten back to work after he and husband Speaker Trevor Mallard held Tim Smith had their baby via a sur- baby Tutanekai for about 15 min- rogate mother last month. He said utes during a fiery general debate he doesn’t usually plan to bring his Wednesday after spotting lawmaker son to parliament but thought it Tamati Coffey with his 6-week-old would be good to let his colleagues son. meet and cuddle the boy and get some selfies with him. Mallard said Friday he has been trying to make parliament a more family-friendly place by adding baby chairs, family rooms and, soon, a slide. He has also increased the flexibility around family leave for lawmakers.

Mallard, who has six grand- children, said he has worked hard to help out his colleagues. And he has been in plenty of demand: There are currently seven lawmakers with babies and he figures there have been a dozen since he began his role Speaker of New Zealand’s Legislature, nearly two years ago. Trevor Mallard, has been called a baby whisperer.(Photo courtesy of: Toronto Star, 01/09/19) “I enjoy cuddling them and seem to have some ability to settle -021 Speaker Series Alvin Curling

Alvin Curling (Photo courtesy of: Samuel Engelking/NOW Toronto)

Interview with Alvin Curling, MPP Curling has a passion for lit- Liberal (1985 – 2005) eracy; a deep desire to help those Scarborough North, Scarborough- who cannot read or write. “Literacy Rouge River is basic for all human growth” ex- plains this soft spoken parliamen- Dr. Alvin Curling started life in tarian. Jamaica, moved to Canada, excelled as a student at Seneca College of In Jamaica Alvin Curling Arts Science and Technology, worked with young people. “The taught and became the Director of Literacy challenges were obvious. Student Services. He was elected to Under the British rule there were the Ontario Legislature, became a more prisons built than schools.” Cab-inet Minister, later elected His literacy involvement in Jamaica Speaker, to be followed by being continued when he came to Cana- appointed Canadian Ambassador to da, eventually becoming the Pres- Dominican Republic. Throughout ident of World Literacy of Canada this entire journey the driving force (1981-1984). “The effect of being is “it’s all about people.” functionally illiterate, not able to read and write, can be devastating. “Literacy is a bridge from misery to It isn’t just young people, we have hope” - Kofi Annan a significant number of older adults

The InFormer Speaker Series who are illiterate. There is a feel- be white. The ceremony ritual was ing of shame not being literate, so quite impressive. I was picked up you don’t mention to the supervi- at my residence and escorted by sor that you cannot understand the four police motorcycles personnel written instructions and as a result to the Presidential Palace where I endangering co-workers and society met President Leonel Fernandez. as a whole. The President expressed how de- lighted he was with the appointment When I was the Minister of of this new Canadian Ambassador Skills Development with special re- (official title Ambassador Extraor- sponsibility for Literacy, I would dinary Plenipotentiary). Quietly, stress to employers that business President Fernandez expressed, (You has a vested interest in literacy. Il- are)“A black man from the Caribbe- literacy brings an economic cost.” an, a Cabinet Minister a person that could give some advice to his coun- In 2001, while a Member of try, a person that could easily un- Provincial Parliament, the Jamaican derstand the challenges faced by his Government honoured Dr. Curling nation." with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander for his life long My job was to represent Can- commitment to literacy. ada’s interest. Canada exports many Curling was the Director of Stu- agricultural produce such as pota- dent Services and taught at Seneca toes. There are also many Canadian College, Toronto for 14 years, after Mining Companies. There is a strong graduating as a top student. His role investment portfolio in the Tourism to assist students to adjust to college industry.” life was crucial for survival, espe- cially those students who had re- Some Vacation cently arrived from various parts of the world. I always like to know why those I interview seek public of- Canadian Ambassador to the Domin- fice, so I asked Alvin Curling that ican Republic question. “I had been a student at Seneca College, President of the stu- There is a strict protocol to be fol- dent Council, taught and counseled lowed when diplomats are posted at students for 14 years and during my a foreign posting. Credentials must tenure I conducted a student ex- be presented and approved by the change program with a college in Head of the host country. As Alvin Kenya. I had built up a lot of vaca- Curling described it, it was quite a tion time and needed to do some- ceremony. “The formal dress at- thing productive with it. Combined tire requested by the country must with the fact that I had acquired an -023 extensive list of friends, the sugges- tion was made, why don’t you run Well Deserved Tributes for political office? The seed was planted and the rest is history. What better recognition for a lifetime of championing literacy than The volunteers didn’t care to have a school named after you. about political philosophy, they just In 2013 the Toronto District School wanted to help me.” Board officially opened Alvin Curling Public School, nestled in the Rouge Life After Politics Valley area of Alvin Curling’s former Riding. The City of Toronto then In 2008 the Hon. Roy McMurt- honoured Alvin Curling by naming a ry, former Chief Justice of Ontario new street in that same area, Alvin and former Attorney General of On- Curling Crescent. tario along with Dr. Alvin Curling tackled the daunting task of exam- In 2014, he was made a Member ining the roots of youth violence. of the Order of Ontario for having They produced an impressive report “played an important role in shaping outlying causes and recommenda- government policy addressing youth tions. That Report is available on violence. line (www.rootsofyouthviolence.on.ca).

“So ten years on, has anything changed in terms of the violence we see on the streets of Toronto and other places? I asked.

“The biggest driving force re- mains mental health issues” was Curling's response. There are people incarcerated and the state of their mental health is never assessed. The causes we identified remain. And, yes, illiteracy is still a factor.”

Alvin Curling certainly has kept busy at Queen’s Park. In addition to Co-Chairing the Task Force on Youth Violence, he held a position as Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation in Waterloo, Ontario from June 2007 until May 2010. The InFormer PROFILE Donna Cansfield BY VICTORIA ESTERHAMMER stay-at-home mom. It was my best job and I loved it.” Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, Donna worked in a brokerage firm. She proceeded to talk about two instances which motivated her to take political ac- tion. “When my daughter was in Grade 8 we were off to England,” recalled Cansfield. Meanwhile, there was a teacher’s strike happening and her daughter, Jennie, was determined to go to her graduation. Upset by the change in schedule, Donna sought answers from her local school board trustee. The answers were not sat- isfactory. Photo courtesy of: Nokomis O’Brien The second instance came not long after. The then-director of the Eto- An interview with Donna bicoke Board of Education had said, Cansfield “what we’re going to do is add two Liberal MPP, Centre minutes to every hour and we will accomplish our need for math” to Donna H. Cansfield is a retired Lib- cover off the math requirements eral Member of the Provincial Parlia- because of the strike. The Trust- ment. She served 11 years, from ees agreed. To that, Donna thought, 2003 to 2014, at which point she did “I’ve never heard anything so ri- not seek re-election. diculous in my life.” And so, she thought that she could do a better Political Interests job. The following year, Donna at- tended every community meeting When asked if she had always been she could, then ran for election and interested in politics, Cansfield burst won. into laughter. “No,” she said, “After Bill and I got married back in 1968, I Politics of Education worked for about 6 years before we had our first child. Then, I was a Donna became the President of the -025 Ontario School Boards Associa- out of me. I thought, this is where I tion, later President of the Cana- live? I mean this must change.” That dian School Board Association, and experience triggered something in then ultimately ended her career as Donna about wanting to make a dif- Chair of the Board of Trustees for ference. The question was how. the Toronto District School Board. It wasn’t until her husband, Bill However, 15 years on the school Cansfield, offered a valuable piece of board was enough for Donna. “I advice that evidently helped shape thought, ‘I better hang up my hers and Ontario’s future. He said, “I shingle’ because I was starting to don’t give advice very often but I’m get cynical.” going to give you some advice. Either shut up or put up.” “Those were the days of Premier Harris and turmoil with the teach- Well, Donna put up. “I ran in 2003 ers.” The 24 Trustees were divided and didn’t look back,” she said. “I when it came to the labour dispute. loved all of it. There were difficult times, but I met wonderful people, “I walked into the board one day we had extraordinary results.” and there was this burning effi- gy of me. They forgot the ‘S’ in During her time at Queen’s my name. One of the Trustees said Park, Cansfield was appointed Par- to me ‘Oh, don’t worry about it, liamentary Assistant (PA) to six they don’t know who you are, they Ministers: Energy, Economic Devel- couldn’t even spell your name.’ But opment and Innovation, Municipal it was very difficult, and especial- Affairs, Housing, Research and De- ly hard on my family. People had velopment and Finance. She went on faxed horrible things to my home to serve as Ontario’s Minister of En- that nobody should ever see and ergy, Transportation and Natural Re- they paint bombed my house.” sources and Chief Government Whip.

Provincial Politics “Obviously, as an MPP you have a local responsibility.” said Donna. “As Donna Cansfield’s entry into pro- a Cabinet Minister, you have a more vincial politics came about in an widespread provincial responsibility. unusual way. Upon having drinks with a friend, a Conservative for- “You cannot sit in Queen’s Park and mer MPP, at Hotel Intercontinen- discuss what happens in Kapuskas- tal, Donna noticed a crowd com- ing, Windsor, or anywhere else un- ing down the street. “There were less you’ve been there, you have seen teachers marching down Univer- and experienced it. Because if you sity Avenue, and police in full riot don’t travel you have no context.” gear,” she said. “Scared the hell

The InFormer PROFILE Highway of Hero’s Tribute estab- Political Highlights lished by Mark Cullen with a man- date to plant 117,000 trees along When I was the Parliamentary the Highway of Heroes, one tree for Assistant to the Minister of Energy, every person who died in the service , we put together the of this country since Confederation first Bill in Canada on conservation and 1.8 million trees representing and sustainability. The political staff all those who served. and the bureaucratic staff worked together. When Dwight was pro- moted to finance and I was promot- ed to be Minister of Energy.

As an MPP, she put forth a mo-tion to develop a comprehensive policy around hospices and pallia-tive care with support from all three parties. Donna argued that hospices are generally more compassionate and less expensive then palliative care units at hospitals.

“When I was born, the average age was about 70. Now, the average age The nice part is they are all trees has increased by at least 15 years, indigenous to Ontario and it will be- which is remarkable. But, it brings come like a carpet of colour through challenges that we didn’t have be- that area in the fall, a living trib- fore. Housing people in an institu- ute.” said Donna. tion and calling it a home, doesn’t make it a home. How do we accom- When asked why she did not run modate people so they have the best for re-election, Donna claimed that possible quality of life in their own while she could run again, the deci- community; in their own home? It’s sion was likely to land her in the of- possible.” fice of a divorce lawyer. “It’s a very --Donna Cansfield lonely job,” she explained. “I said I would only do two terms and I did As Minister of Transportation, three. The year before, in January, I Donna had the honour of establish- went to either a visitation or funeral ing the Highway of Heroes. It was twelve or thirteen times, and… they an idea that came from a journalist were all young,” said Donna. in the Cornwall area. The Legisla- tion received all party support. The “And then the other part was Bill -027 and me. My husband and I have Another notable organization that been married for 50 years. I love that Donna chairs is 'Brands for Canada'. man.” It is an extraordinary organization for new clothing and goods that would Life After Politics have either been burned, shredded, or buried. It labels and distributes “I think Shakespeare said, and I’ll these clothings and goods to about paraphrase; ‘Come sit by me my 89 or 90 shelters across the GTA. love as we grow old together.’ Can’t What that means is people get new do that if I’m here and he’s there. clothing, not used, and new Teddy When you have a few years left, you bears. “We also work with indi- want to do the things you want to viduals with disabilities to promote do, whether that’s just sitting at the their potential and find meaningful lake with a book and a glass of wine, work” said Donna. or rebuilding your cottage.”

Since leaving Queen’s Park, Don- na has continued to be involved in her community through charitable works. As a dedicated member to the Anglican church, Donna proudly supports numerous not-for-profit organizations. She has contributed significantly to elderly care services and recycling services. She is partic- ularly passionate about Alzheimer’s research.

Acknowledging the difficulties caregivers are faced with when help- ing Alzheimer patients, Donna is a proud advocate and board member of the 'Room 217', a charity that has developed music programs for individuals with Alzheimer or de- mentia diseases. “Our practitioners teach physicians, nurses, caregivers and executives about how they can use calming music as a tool for be- havioral training, music connects with long-term memory.”

The InFormer PROFILE

Sean Conway BY DAVID WARNER significant redistribution that made Renfrew North more competitive. And the third factor was the ap- parent unpopularity of the provin- cial government at the time. I won in a very tight three-way race and my victory had a lot to do with an unusually strong showing by the NDP candidate in that election. While I was only 24 years of age, my age didn’t seem to be as big an issue as some would have thought and I think the reason for that was part- ly because my opponents were also relatively young. I also think the fact that my maternal grandfather – Thomas P. Murray who had been a Liberal MPP for Renfrew South from Photo courtesy of: Nokomis O’Brien 1929-1945, was still alive and well- known in 1975 helped add some “I won that first election by losing.” much needed credibility to my po- litical credentials.” Sean Conway, age 24, was complet- ing a graduate degree in history at To Run or Not to Run Queen’s University when he was first elected in 1975, winning by 183 Sean Conway, in a span of 5 years, votes in an area which had consis- between 1985 and 1990 held 5 Cab- tently returned a Progressive Con- inet posts: Education, Skills Devel- servative for more than 30 years. opment, Colleges and Universities, Conway explained how that hap- Mines, Government Services. As pened. I hadn't planned on being well, he was Government House a political candidate. I was a Mas- Leader. With a combination of ex- ters Degree candidate at the time, perience, leadership skills and an with plans to pursue my PhD at an outgoing personality an obvious American university. However, the question arose; did you ever consid- stars fortuitously aligned. The first er running for Leader of the Ontario factor was the retirement of a long- Liberal Party? time and very popular incumbent PC “After our defeat in the Ontario member. The second factor was a general election of 1995, I told some -029 friends and supporters that I would lights would include: being part of at least consider the leadership. Af- the Liberal team that changed the ter the election, I spent some time government of Ontario in 1985 after travelling the province to assess the the very close May 2nd election re- situation. After several weeks on sult; becoming Minister of Education the road, I concluded that I wouldn’t in June 1985 when there were major enter the race. There were a num- and controversial issues like com- ber of considerations but my deci- pleting the separate school funding sion ultimately came down to this – and enacting the Charter provisions in 1995, I was 44 years of age, I had for minority language education in been an MPP for twenty years at that Ontario; and like all MPPs, I really point and I felt that, while I really enjoyed working with my constitu- enjoyed public life, I didn’t have ents to win important local battles sufficient ambition or, quite frankly, like a new long-term care facility in the right personality for the the village of Cobden for many el- leadership role. But I have to say derly people with very special needs. those weeks in the late summer and fall of 1995 travelling around Life Beyond the Pink Palace Ontario, meeting people and think- ing about the leadership was a good “Since my retirement from poli- experience and made me seriously tics in October 2003, I have spent a reflect upon how and where I could considerable amount of my time at best serve.” three universities – Queen’s, Ryer- son and the . Memories of Parliamentary Life At Queen’s, I was associated with the School of Policy Studies where “I was always interested in politics I served as Director of the Queen’s and thought that I would run some- Institute of Intergovernmental Re- where some day, but the fact that lations. At Ryerson, I have been a such an attractive opportunity pre- Fellow at the Centre for Urban Ener- sented itself in Renfrew North just gy where I am involved with a num- as I was completing my graduate ber of activities in the energy policy program at Queen’s University was field like participating in confer- completely unexpected. Looking ences, assisting in various research back on that time and opportuni- projects and mentoring young en- ty, I can’t believe that, at 24 years gineering students about opportu- of age, I was prepared to take such nities in the energy field. I taught a risk. But I did, I was fortunate courses at both Ryerson and Queen’s enough to win and that risk-taking and was involved with students changed the 'arc' of my life. And I in areas like experiential learn- learned from that experience that ing. Since 2012, I have been teach- risk does bring reward! Other high- ing a 19th century Canadian history

The InFormer PROFILE course in the Celtic Studies program at the University of Toronto which has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience as well. From 2004 till 2018, I was a public policy advisor at the Gowlings law firm specializ- ing in energy policy matters. From 2004 till 2012, I also served on the Board of the Ontario Centres of Ex- cellence.”

Photo courtesy of Victoria Esterhammer -031 In Loving Memory of

Marvin Shore Marvin Leonard Shore (April 13, 1930 – September 27, 2019) Member of Provincial Parliament 1975 – 1977 London North, Liberal, Progressive Conservative

Marvin Shore was a member of the ways treated my kid brother Jeff Select Committee on Company Law and me as friends, not just as a bud- and served on three Standing Com- dy’s kids who had to be tolerated. mittees; Public Accounts, Social De- velopment, Miscellaneous Estimates. His eldest son, David (one of the most successful TV series producers “It’s hard to feel regretful when ever — House, The Good Doctor), someone dies at the age of 90, hav- remembered his dad as someone ing enjoyed a happy marriage, warm who loved to laugh and argue with friendships, and the admiration of everyone. three wonderful sons and 21 grand- children. “He was the only white man who thought OJ was innocent,” David But, I’m still sad that Marvin Shore joked. “He listened to everyone and has left this world. He’d been my didn’t agree with anyone.” - ex- father Larry’s best buddy since they cerpts from Steve Paikin’s article met as fraternity-house roommates “Remembering one of Ontario’s 64 years ago at what was then called funniest MPPs” TVO October 3, 2019 the University of Western Ontario, in London. “Marvin had a great personality and a good intellect. Usually that makes Marv’s official obituary will point for a great addition to the legislative out that he was a member of the process and he certainly was that Ontario Legislature from 1975 to but I got the feeling that he was 1977 and a chair of the London never comfortable with the restric- Board of Education before that. tions of party politics. It is a factor that all of us shared to some de- But I loved him because he was one gree.” - Mike Breaugh of the funniest guys I knew and al- The InFormer CONTACT [email protected] Chair David Warner Helen Breslauer [email protected] [email protected]

Vice –Chair and Treasurer Interns Joe Spina Victoria Shariati [email protected] [email protected] Victoria Esterhamer Communications [email protected] Steve Gilchrist [email protected] Education Committee Jean-Marc Lalonde Distinguished Service Award [email protected] Doug Moffatt [email protected] Members-at-Large Lily Oddie John Hastings [email protected] john [email protected] Joe Spina [email protected] Rosario Marchese [email protected] Executive Assistant Mobina Bhimani Mario Racco [email protected] [email protected] Barbara Sullivan [email protected] Education Foundation Annamarie Castrilli Queen’s Park Office: [email protected] Ontario Association of Former Par- liamentarians Membership Suite 1612 Whitney Block Judy Marsales 99 Wellesley Street West [email protected] Toronto. ON. M7A 1A2 Newsletter Committee David T: 416-325-4647 Warner E: [email protected] [email protected] Steve Gilchrist www.ontafp.com [email protected] L Facebook.com/ontafp