Sheila Finestone Park to be formally dedicated on Monday night August 14 in Côte Saint-Luc

The formal dedication of a park named  after former Mount Royal Liberal MP and Senator Sheila Finestone will take place on Monday, August 14 (7:15 pm) on Marc Chagall Avenue behind Côte Saint-Luc City Hall.

The late Sheila Finestone

Sheila Finestone was the Liberal MP for  Mount Royal from 1984 to 1999, which had previously been held since 1965 by former prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Finestone admired Trudeau and has said he inspired her to go into politics. She concluded her political career a member of the Senate, retiring in 2002. She passed away in 2009.

“I always felt that our city should name something after her,” said Councillor Mike Cohen, whose district encompasses this park. “She served our community with distinction and this tribute was a longtime in coming.”


Sheila Finestone was a devoted community activist before entering politics. Notable among these, at a young age she ascended to the presidency of the Women's Federation of Allied Jewish Community Services of Montreal (now Federation CJA), followed by many executive and leadership roles in this community. She then brought her insight and drive to the broader community where she earned the position of president of Les Federation des Femmes de Quebec. Her passion for the rights and dreams of all people ultimately took her into the political sphere, first as an advisor to the leaders of the Quebec Liberal Party, then as a Liberal MP, Cabinet Minister in Jean Chretien's government and ultimately to the Red Chamber as a Senator. She worked tirelessly and with passion for the causes of a united Canada, human rights, the cause of Soviet Jews, equality and justice for all peoples regardless of origin or geography. Amongst her proudest accomplishments were her leadership of Canada's delegation to the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995, her membership on the Executive Committee of the No Campaign in the 1980 referendum on national unity and as a principal mover of the "Yvettes," her engagement with other notables to rid the world of landmines and most of all the fight for human dignity, privacy and the inherent rights that are intrinsic to all peoples.

Extending her influence beyond Canada's boarders, Finestone was a force in upholding the values of Canadian democratic tradition in such organizations as the Inter Parliamentary Union as well as other groups pursuing important global causes. In a life filled with tributes and awards her final accolade came from her parliamentary peers when in 2008 she was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award on behalf of the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians. She well understood and exemplified the notion that with power and influence comes great responsibility and she never shrank from the challenges it presented. She passed away from cancer at the age of 82 in 2009.

The new park is a lovely piece of greenspace, outfitted with benches, picnic tables, trees an and pathways.  It is a nice spot for visitors to gather. There is also space for people to toss the football or frisbee or kick the soccer ball.

At this ceremony, there will also be a re-dedication for  Isadore Goldberg Park, which is also located in the same  area. Isadore Goldberg was the Councillor for District 1 from 1983 to 2000.

One of Sheila Finestone’s sons, Stephen, will be in attendance as will Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, members of council, present-day Liberal MP for Mount Royal Anthony Housefather and Sheila Finestone’s successor, Irwin Cotler. 

Michael Abramovich, a  saxophonist who lives in Côte Saint-Luc, will perform some music prior to the ceremony.  To see his talents go to : https://www.youtube.com/@michaelabramovich-saxmusic8979

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

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