Donald Oliver, first Black man appointed to Canadian Senate, dies at 86

Donald Oliver, who was the first Black man appointed to the Canadian Senate, passed away on Wednesday.

Donald Oliver, who helped create the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia and later became the first Black man appointed to the Canadian Senate, has passed away.

His family confirmed he passed away in his sleep on Wednesday. He was 86 years old.

“Senator Oliver devoted his life to public service, justice, and the advancement of Black Canadians,” reads a statement from the Black Cultural Centre.

Oliver was born in Wolfville in 1938 and later received a law degree as a Sir James Dunn Scholar from Dalhousie Law School in 1963. He served as a lecturer in London, South America, Scandinavia, the United States and Canada.

In 1983, Oliver played a key role in the establishment of the Black Cultural Centre, an institution dedicated to the promotion and preservation of African Nova Scotia history and culture.

“Senator Donald Oliver was a true pioneer, not only in his groundbreaking service to Canada’s Senate, but also in his dedication to our community here in Nova Scotia,” said Russell Grosse, CEO of the Black Cultural Centre. “As a founder of the Centre, his contributions will forever be part of our foundation, and his legacy will inspire us to continue the vital work of preserving and sharing our history.”

Oliver made history in 1990 when he became the first Black man appointed to the Senate. He served until his retirement in 2013.

Oliver was appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia and the Order of Canada for his contributions to his community and country.

“Nova Scotia was lucky to have someone of Mr. Oliver’s caliber and integrity representing us on the national stage,” said Premier Tim Houston in a written statement. “A courageous trailblazer, the legacy of service, advocacy and leadership that he leaves behind is remarkable.”

In 2022 Oliver launched the Young Black Voices Book Prize, which offers $3,500 to young Black authors.

-With files from CTV News’s Paul Hollingsworth

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