The following letter is in response to the death yesterday (Feb. 6) of New Democrat MP Paul Dewar after a battle with brain cancer after his diagnosis in February 2018. Dewar was 56.
The late Paul Dewar, former NDP MP for Ottawa-Centre, will be remembered as a dedicated, principled public servant who spoke truth to power. He worked with passion and optimism for social justice, human rights, peace in the world, and to protect the environment.
Paul Dewar was an inspiration to many Canadians as he worked for a better future for everyone. Locally, he was available to help the SDSG NDP riding association in its activities. Many local NDP members supported his progressive campaign in 2012 to become the leader of the Federal NDP.
Paul Dewar’s passion for a better future continued into his last year when he established his Foundation “Youth Action Now” to empower young people to change their communities for the better. May his legacy live on with “Youth Action Now”.
In Paul’s letter posted on his Facebook page after his death on February 6, he asks that we take better care of each other, empower those who have been left behind, concentrate on what we can contribute to our country, community and neighbours, and celebrate life.
We can learn much from this remarkable public servant and mentor who brought diverse people together and who saw the potential in everyone to do good.
Brian Lynch
Cornwall