Sharon Carstairs: A Legacy of Service in Canadian Politics
An in-depth exploration of her impactful career in provincial and federal governance.
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Early Life and Education
Family Background
Sharon Carstairs was born on April 26, 1942, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is the daughter of Harold Connolly, a prominent figure who served as Premier of Nova Scotia and later as a federal Senator, and his wife Vivian. This familial connection to public service undoubtedly shaped her early perspectives.
Academic Foundation
Carstairs pursued a rigorous academic path, obtaining education from several esteemed institutions. She studied at Dalhousie University, Smith College, Georgetown University, and the University of Calgary. This diverse educational background provided her with a broad understanding of various disciplines, crucial for a career in public affairs.
Entry into Alberta Politics
Early Candidacy
Relocating to Western Canada, Carstairs made her initial foray into politics as an unsuccessful Liberal candidate for Calgary-Elbow in the 1975 Alberta provincial election. This experience, though not resulting in immediate electoral victory, marked the beginning of her active engagement in the political arena.
Party Leadership
From 1975 to 1977, she served as the President of the Alberta Liberal Party. Concurrently, she was an active member of the national executive of the Liberal Party of Canada during the same period, demonstrating an early commitment to party organization and strategy at both provincial and federal levels.
Leadership in Manitoba
Revitalizing the Manitoba Liberals
Carstairs assumed leadership of the Manitoba Liberal Party in 1984, a time when the party held no seats in the provincial legislature. Despite an initial setback in a 1984 by-election, her dedication and strategic vision led to a significant resurgence. She was elected for River Heights in the 1986 provincial election, becoming the sole Liberal MLA.
Leader of the Opposition
The 1988 provincial election marked a pivotal moment. Carstairs guided the Liberals to their best performance since 1953, securing 20 seats. This success relegated the governing New Democratic Party to third-party status and established a Progressive Conservative minority government. Carstairs became the Leader of the Opposition, a historic achievement as the first woman to hold such a position in any Canadian legislature.
Shifting Fortunes
While the 1988 election offered a strong opportunity for the Liberals to form government, the subsequent 1990 election saw a return of the Progressive Conservatives with a majority and the NDP regaining opposition status. The Liberal party was reduced to seven seats, leading many within the party to feel that a prime opportunity had been missed. Carstairs resigned as leader in 1993, having published her autobiography, Not One of the Boys, that year.
Service in the Senate
Appointment and Early Roles
On September 15, 1994, Prime Minister Jean Chrรฉtien recommended Sharon Carstairs for appointment to the Senate of Canada, representing Manitoba. Her appointment followed her support for Chrรฉtien's leadership bid in 1990. She served as the Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate from 1997 to 1999.
Government Leadership
From January 2001 to December 2003, Carstairs held the significant position of Leader of the Government in the Senate. During this period, she also served in Prime Minister Chrรฉtien's cabinet as the Minister with Special Responsibility for Palliative Care, demonstrating a commitment to healthcare advocacy.
Championing Palliative Care
Beyond her governmental roles, Carstairs was a dedicated advocate for palliative care. From April 2006 to December 2009, she chaired the Special Committee on Aging, which produced a report instrumental in integrating palliative care into Canadian medical school curricula. She also contributed to the creation of the Canadian Virtual Hospice, a vital online resource.
Retirement and Later Life
Transition to Private Life
In October 2011, at the age of 69, Carstairs announced her resignation from the Senate, five and a half years prior to the mandatory retirement age of 75. She and her husband intended to remain in Ottawa to be closer to their children.
Post-Senate Engagements
Following her retirement from the Senate, Carstairs took on the role of chairing the board for a network centre of excellence focused on the care of the frail elderly, pending federal grant approval. In 2015, her Senate expenses were investigated as part of the Canadian Senate expenses scandal, though no charges were laid.
Honours and Recognition
Order of Canada
On June 30, 2016, Sharon Carstairs was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada by Governor General David Johnston. This prestigious honour recognized her extensive public service and her significant contributions as a champion for palliative care in Canada.
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References
References
- Sharon Carstairs รขยย Parliament of Canada biography
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