An accomplished journalist and author, and a former member of Parliament, she has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to assisting those suffering from injustice, persecution and poverty. Her perceptive and impassioned writings have contributed to positive social change by raising public awareness of injustices in society. Her efforts can be seen in many successful initiatives such as the opening of the first shelter for young street people in Vancouver, the Vancouver Indian Centre, the Vancouver Crisis Centre and the March of Dimes campaign.