Gerard Kennedy

August 7, 2009

Canadians have lost A Trail Blazing Parliamentarian and Leader with the passing of Senator Stanley Haidasz

TORONTO – Stanley Haidasz was a trail blazing politician and leader whose contributions to Canada, Polish Canadians and Toronto will be long remembered, Gerard Kennedy said today.

Dr. Haidasz passed away yesterday at the age of 86.   He was Canada’s first Minister of State for Multiculturalism in1972, was elected the first modern day MP of Polish-Canadian background in 1957, became the first Senator of Polish-Canadian descent in 1978, and a well-loved physician.

Dr. Haidasz’s 17 years in the House of Commons between 1957 and 1978 covered one of
the most productive periods for that institution with the ushering in of Medicare, establishment of the Canada Assistance plan, bilingualism and multiculturalism and an era of rising international stature for Canada.  The Multiculturalism policy that Dr. Haidasz oversaw helped to solidify equal standing for Canadians of diverse backgrounds, cultures and religions.

Dr. Haidasz was a proud Polish Canadian and very  active in the community of Parkdale-High Park including being a founding director of Copernicus Lodge Seniors Centre, a tremendous community facility where he himself was resident on his passing, and as a cardiologist contributing his time to The St. Joseph’s Health Centre.

“I last saw Stan at the Canada Day at Copernicus and enjoyed as always the chance to chat with him about the politics of the day – he always kept a very keen interest.   I feel very fortunate to have had Dr. Haidasz’s tremendous advice and support over the years both as provincial and federal representative” Mr. Kennedy said. “We have all lost a great leader and friend.”

“I offer my sincerest condolences to his wife Natalia, his children Marie, Walter, Joanne and Barbara on behalf of myself and all the residents of Parkdale-High Park who benefitted so much from Dr. Haidasz’s tremendous contribution”.
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Timmins-James Bay federal Liberal candidate Marilyn Wood and Parkdale-High Park Liberal MP Gerard Kennedy — his party’s critic for infrastructure, cities and communities — wanted to assure them, however, that their views still count.

Gerard Kennedy has written directly to every community organization in the riding, asking for their help to save national gun control by expressing their support and he appealed to area residents to do the same.

Regina – Federal Liberal Housing Critic Gerard Kennedy called on the Harper government today to increase funding for the Saskatchewan programs to prevent and reduce homelessness in the face of rising rents and a tight housing market.

Conservative Immigration Minister Jason Kenney has a different bottom line on his refugee reform bill after all. After having his “last, best, take-it-or-leave-it” offer rejected by the Liberal Party last Thursday, the Minister blinked and moved the yardsticks much closer to fair territory.