Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: November 19, 2015
• Invested on: May 17, 2016

For her contributions to the literary arts as a writer and mentor, as well as for her life-long commitment to social activism.

Helen Fogwill Porter has long been at the heart of the literary community in Newfoundland and Labrador. Among the first women to be published in the province, she has written fiction, poetry and plays, but is most widely known for her newspaper and magazine articles. A revered mentor, she has always encouraged her fellow authors to write, especially about Newfoundland and its culture, people and geography. Additionally, her lifelong grassroots social activism has helped the community tackle such issues as poverty, domestic violence and affordable housing.