Marlene Catterall remembered as accomplished politician, trailblazer for women
Tributes are pouring in for Marlene Catterall, a former Ottawa city councillor, member of Parliament and the first woman to become the chief government whip.
Catterall, described as a trailblazer who broke barri‐ ers for women, died Monday. She was 85.
Catterall, who was born in Ottawa, was elected as a Lib‐ eral MP in 1988 and was reelected over the following four terms, finally retiring from her storied political ca‐ reer in 2006.
"We knew that was a big deal, having a government whip that was a woman," said Bay ward Coun. Theresa Kavanagh.
"It doesn't seem like a new idea now, but it was then. So it was a break‐ through. It was a perfect job for her."
Kavanagh said she and Catterall were political rivals early on, but Catterall soon became a mentor and a friend.
During her time in federal politics, Catterall represented Ottawa West and later Ot‐ tawa West-Nepean. She also sat on Ottawa's pre-amalga‐ mation city council from 1976 to 1985, and ran unsuc‐ cessfully for mayor against Jim Durrell.
Before entering politics, Catterall taught high school.
Kavanagh recalled Catter‐ all as a challenging oppo‐ nent.
"Don't go up against her without knowing what you're up against because she's tough. She's smart, but for the right reasons," Kavanagh told CBC Radio's Ottawa Morning on Wednesday.
Prime minister sends condolences
On social media, Prime Min‐ ister Justin Trudeau said Cat‐ terall's "tireless work as a so‐ cial activist, politician, and Canada's first female Chief Government Whip opened countless doors for future generations."
Last year, Catterall re‐ ceived a Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case, acknowl‐ edging women who have worked for gender equality. Catterall received the award in part for her work helping to secure pay equity for women in the public service.
"I'm sending my deepest condolences to her loved ones," the prime minister said.
Sheila Copps, who served as heritage minister and deputy prime minister under Jean Chrétien, called Catterall "a joyful partner, mother and friend" who was "always there for those in need."
Catterall was also consid‐ ered instrumental in getting the Famous Five monument on Parliament Hill, now seen on the Plaza Bridge near the Senate of Canada as Centre Block undergoes construc‐ tion.
The statue is a tribute to Irene Parlby, Louise McKin‐ ney, Nellie McClung, Emily Murphy and Henrietta Muir Edwards, who appealed a de‐ cision by the Supreme Court of Canada that ruled women could not be appointed to the Senate.
Former Ottawa mayor Jim Watson called Catterall a trailblazer for women in politics, saying he was pleased his council was able to offer their own tribute to the longtime city activist, naming a park in her honour.
Kavanagh said gaining Catterall's political support was "huge," and the advice she received from her men‐ tor has stuck with her.
"Basically, just stick to your guns. Stick up for your community," the councillor said. "She really was big on equity. She understood the importance of it. "