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 barriers for women, died earlier this week. She was 85.
Catterall, who was born in Ottawa, was elected as a Liberal MP in 1988 and was re-elected over the following four terms, finally retiring from her storied political career 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 breakthrough. It was a perfect job for her.”
Just learned of the passing of Marlene Catterall, the first woman Whip in Canada’s history, a joyful partner, mother and friend, Marlene was always there for those in need. She was honoured with the Person’s Award and loved by all. Condolences to her life love Ron and family. RIP
—@Sheila_Copps
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 Ottawa West–Nepean. She also sat on Ottawa’s pre-amalgamation city council from 1976 to 1985, and ran unsuccessfully for mayor against Jim Durrell.
Before entering politics, Catterall taught high school.
Kavanagh recalled Catterall as a challenging opponent.
“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 Minister Justin Trudeau said Catterall’s “tireless work as a social activist, politician, and Canada’s first female Chief Government Whip opened countless doors for future generations.”
Last year, Catterall received a Governor General’s award for her work, which included helping secure pay equity for women in the public service.
“I’m sending my deepest condolences to her loved ones,” the prime minister said.
“Marlene Catterall was a trailblazer for women. Her tireless work as a social activist, politician, and Canada’s first female Chief Government Whip opened countless doors for future generations. I’m sending my deepest condolences to her loved ones.” — Prime Minister Trudeau
—@CanadianPM
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 considered 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 construction.
The statue is a tribute to Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, Nellie McClung, Emily Murphy and Henrietta Muir Edwards, who appealed a decision 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.
Ottawa lost a true leader with the passing of long time MP Marlene Catterall. She was a trail blazer for women in politics and was the first female chief government whip . I was so pleased our council was able to name a city park in her honour. Rest in Peace
—@JimWatsonOttawa
Kavanagh said gaining Catterall’s political support was “huge,” and the advice she received from her mentor 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. “