Karl Bélanger was elected President of the Douglas-Coldwell Foundation by its Board of Directors yesterday evening in Ottawa.
A native of Quebec City, Karl Bélanger is a long time social-democrat activist and a former National Director of the New Democratic Party of Canada. He joined the ranks of the NDP at 18 years old and ran twice for a federal seat. He held several positions within the NDP and joined the Parliamentary wing shortly after the 1997 Federal election. During his political career, Karl Bélanger served as a senior advisor to successive NDP Leaders Alexa McDonough, Jack Layton, Nycole Turmel and Thomas Mulcair.
"I am truly honoured to follow in the footsteps of the DCF's Founding President, Tommy Douglas. I aim to help keep alive his work and those of other progressive pioneers such as J.S. Woodsworth and M.J. Coldwell," stated Karl Bélanger. "It is essential to do more to support research and study in the fields of progressive politics and social policy in order to preserve this important part of Canada's history."
Established in 1971, The Douglas-Coldwell Foundation provides support for six annual scholarships at various colleges and universities in Canada. Over the past decade, the Douglas-Coldwell Foundation has provided more than $300,000 in financial aid to ventures that support its mandate to promote education and research into social democracy.
The Foundation has helped to fund the publication of biographies of Tommy Douglas, M.J Coldwell, Stanley Knowles, Clairie Gillis and Grace MacInnis. A registered charity, the Foundation has made substantial financial contributions in assisting the publication of a number of books and magazines concerned with current and important issues from a progressive perspective as it relates to our mandate.
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It is with profound sorrow and immeasurable sadness that the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation mourns the passing of our President, Irene Mathyssen — a cherished colleague, a steadfast advocate for social justice, and a woman whose life was distinguished by an extraordinary and selfless devotion to the betterment of others and her community.
From all of us at the Foundation, we wish you a joyful Pride month filled with celebration and love. As we celebrate queer love, joy and success we must also take the time to reflect on the history that has led us to where we are today.
