On Thursday August 8th, I had the pleasure to honour the community service and lasting impact of Marlene Catterall and welcome her family, friends and colleagues attending this special event.
Marlene Catterall’s engagement with Michele Heights began as Chair of the Citizens Committee for the Pinecrest Queensway Neighborhood Planning Study and continued as a City Alderman and Regional Councillor representing Britannia Ward.
Marlene’s passion for her community and her approach of listening and engaging with residents resulted in City-provided child care to help mothers access programs at the, then newly established, Michele Heights Community Recreation Centre in Michele park; a centre that continues to cater to the needs of the community today. This was demonstrative of Marlene’s great skill at connecting needs with resources.
Marlene was elected as a Liberal MP in 1988 and was successfully re-elected over the following four terms, until retiring from federal politics in 2006. During her Parliamentary career, Marlene would be the first woman to hold the position of Chief Government Whip. She championed many causes during her career, but foremost was the advancement and empowerment of women. Her commitment to involving women entailed efforts to increase voting in marginalized communities and the development of grassroots organizations for residents to advocate on their own behalf. Marlene’s integrity, kindness and unrelenting dedication to the community continues to inspire.
