Aideen Nicholson named a distinguished Parliamentarian

Elliot Lake's Aideen Nicholson, a Member of Parliament from 1974 to 1988, will receive special recognition next week from the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians.

On Tuesday, June 3, Nicholson will be presented with the Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the promotion and understanding of Canada’s parliamentary system of government.

Each year's winner of the non-partisan award is chosen by a six-person committee representing all regions of Canada.

Our photograph shows Nicholson during her time as MP for the Toronto federal riding of Trinity.

The following announcement was made today by Brent St. Denis, MP for Algoma-Manitoulin:

**************************************************************** Algoma-Manitoulin resident receives Distinguished Service Award

June 3, 2003 - Brent St. Denis, MP for Algoma-Manitoulin, will have the honour to introduce Aideen Nicholson as she receives the prestigious "Distinguished Service Award," presented annually to an eminent former Parliamentarian.

"Aideen’s commitment to Canada and her community, wherever she lived, continues to be a tremendous example to others. She has always demonstrated a willingness to be generous in spirit to others. Aideen clearly deserves this award," offered Mr. St. Denis.

Ms. Nicholson represented the Toronto federal riding of Trinity from 1974 until 1988.

She moved to Northern Ontario (Elliot Lake) in the early 1990’s to take up residence and to become a Northerner.

She has thrived in our wonderful social and natural environment having become involved in numerous community activities, including becoming a St. Joseph General Hospital trustee and a White Mountain Academy Board member. Aideen has also served on the boards of the Women's Crisis Centre, Elliot Lake Family Life, and St. Peter the Apostle Anglican Church and even with this busy schedule she is an enthusiastic member of a local book club which usually meets in her home

During her parliamentary career Aideen distinguished herself on both the government side of the House of Commons (1974-84) and in Opposition (1984-1988).

Her various responsibilities included Chair of the Standing Committee on Labour, Manpower & Immigration, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Supply & Services, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Consumer & Corporate Affairs, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, and Official Opposition Critic for Financial Institutions.

Following her post-secondary education at Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland) and at the London School of Economics (England) she pursued a career in social work and continued in this field after 1988 as a member of the Immigration and Refugee Board (1990-1996).

The award is given to a former parliamentarian each year who demonstrates the following qualities:

- a clear commitment to probity in public life

- respect for the institution of the Canadian Parliament

- understanding of and the ability to use parliamentary procedures

- effectiveness in representing constituents

- a sense of history

- ability to articulate a vision of Canada

- courage

- intellectual honesty

- thoughtfulness

"I am proud to know Aideen, to be her friend, and to perform the very pleasant task of introducing her for the award on June 3rd," concluded Mr. St. Denis.

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