Canadian politician and activist Alexa McDonough has joined her ancestors. She passed away at a care home in Halifax on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at the age of 77.
According to her family, McDonough died on Saturday after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
McDonough’s leadership of the Nova Scotia NDP in 1980 made her the first woman to lead a major political party in Canada.
She changed the image of politics in Canada and opened the doors for other women to take their places at the pinnacles of political power. She was an inspiration to generations of New Democrats even after her retirement from politics 14 years ago.
Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, released a statement following the death of Alexa McDonough, saying McDonough was ‘a dedicated public servant, a champion for social justice, and an inspiration to Canadians.’
“It is with sadness today that I learned of the passing of Alexa McDonough, former leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party and the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party,” the statement said
It continued: “A social worker by training, Ms. McDonough led the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party from 1980 to 1994, and the federal New Democratic Party from 1995 to 2003. Throughout her career, she was a trailblazer for women in politics and an inclusive voice for progressive change in Canadian politics. In the House of Commons, Ms. McDonough was a strong advocate for gender equality, support for marginalized people, and a more compassionate government.
“Following her retirement from politics, Ms. McDonough served as Interim President of Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax for a year and continued her involvement in international development and peace advocacy work. She also received numerous honors over the course of her lifetime, including the Order of Canada in 2009, the Order of Nova Scotia and the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, and several honorary degrees.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms. McDonough, a dedicated public servant, a champion for social justice, and an inspiration to Canadians,” it added.
Alexa McDonough funeral: Date, time, venue, obituary poster
Alexa McDonough funeral and burial arrangements are yet to be announced by her family.
Ghanafuo.com will share details with you as soon as they are made public.
