Statement from Andrea Horwath on the passing of Paul Dewar

QUEEN’S PARK — Andrea Horwath, Leader of the Official Opposition and Ontario NDP, issued the following statement on the passing of Paul Dewar, former NDP MP for Ottawa Centre:

“In this difficult time, our deepest condolences go out to Paul Dewar’s wife Julia, his children Jordan and Nathaniel, and the many people who considered Paul a friend, a mentor and an inspiration.

Paul believed that every person has the power to make the world a better place. And he showed us this was true by dedicating his life to building the kind of inclusive, caring communities that reflected that deeply-held belief.

He was many things in his career – a young staffer for an Ontario NDP cabinet minister, a teacher, a union official, a member of Parliament and a philanthropist. No matter the task, Paul brought kindness, optimism and respect for people to everything he did. We feel his loss deeply.

Paul fought for a more just and loving Canada, and his spirit of solidarity with those who are struggling – wherever in the world they make their home – lives on in all who will continue that fight.”