No Laughing Matter: Adventure, Activism & Politics - Softcover

Margaret Mitchell

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1894694635 ISBN 13: 9781894694636

Publisher: Granville Island Publishing, 2008

Synopsis

The woman who first brought the issue of spousal abuse to the forefront in Canada presents her memoirs in this interesting, informative, entertaining and often humourous book. Margaret Mitchell is a social activist who pioneered community development in Vancouver, was a courageous feminist MP for Vancouver East, and an international adventuress. Her book is a testament to the struggles and achievements of women MPs, and chronicles her life's adventures and work. As an NDP Member of Parliament, Margaret Mitchell inspired generations of women with her public stand against "wife beating" with her vocal support for women's equality. She spent 14 years in the House of Commons advocating for affordable housing, multiculturalism, and the rights of poor people. Ms Mitchell worked tirelessly on issues that are alive today, including redress for the Chinese Head Tax, and childcare. The Margaret Mitchell Fund for Women, which Ms Mitchell established after her retirement, continues to support women's self-help projects and scholarships. Proceeds of book sales will also accrue to the fund.

About this title

About the Author

A graduate of McMaster University and University of Toronto School of Social Work, Margaret A. Mitchell worked for the International Red Cross in Japan and Korea during the Korean War and in Vienna in 1956 with Hungarian refugees. Known for her many contributions as a social activist and in community development, she became the NDP Member of Parliament for Vancouver East from 1979 until 1993. She continues to support women in need through the Margaret Mitchell Fund for Women. Recognized in 2000 as a Member of the Order of British Columbia, she lives in Vancouver, BC.

Review

Antigone Magazine A blog about women, politics, women in politics and the politics of being a woman. Friday, April 4, 2008 No Laughing Matter - Margaret Mitchell's Memoir Margaret Mitchell, MP for Vancouver East from 1979-1993 has published her memoirs in No Laughing Matter: Adventure, Activism & Politics.

The title of the book comes from Mitchell's own experience broaching the issue of marital abuse. As she writes, "On May 12th I rose in the House to raise the urgent need for government action on a serious and widespread issue. 'The parliamentary report on battered wives states that one in ten Canadian husbands beat their wives regularly,' I began. Before I could continue, an uproar of male shouts and laughter erupted, making it impossible for me to be heard. A nearby Tory joked, 'I don't beat my wife. Do you, George?' When the Speaker finally got order, I rose again in fury. 'Madam Speaker, I do not think this is a laughing matter. What action will the Minister responsible for the Status of Women undertake immediately at the federal level to protect battered women?'"

Having led an extraordinary life of political work, traveling and activism Mitchell's book is worth a look for anyone wanting to examine Canada's history or be inspired to create its future.

The book is published by Granville Island Publishing, 2007 --Antigone Magazine, Friday, April 4, 2008

About this edition

• Publisher: Granville Island Publishing
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1894694635
• ISBN 13: 9781894694636
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 248