The Group of 78 is saddened by the passing of Lois Wilson, one of G78’s “Originals”, on September 13, 2024, in Fredericton, NB. Lois was one of the 78 prominent Canadians who in 1981 signed an open letter to then Prime Minister P.E. Trudeau to urge progressive action on Canadian foreign policy, an initiative that led to the forming of the Group of 78. Lois remained engaged with G78 for the rest of her life, participating in its earlier conferences, speaking at its 25th anniversary, and opening its 2021 policy conference to mark its 40th anniversary.
Lois had a remarkable life and career. To borrow from the United Church’s obituary, Lois’ “legacy is one of many firsts: the first woman president of the Canadian Council of Churches in 1976; elected the first woman Moderator of the United Church in 1980, paving the way for many progressive developments in the church; the first Canadian to serve as a president of the World Council of Churches, from 1983 to 1991. In 2000, she led Canada’s first parliamentary delegation to North Korea to begin the process of establishing formal diplomatic relations.”
Her many other engagements included serving as a Senator from 1998 to 2002, being Chancellor of Lakehead University, and authoring ten books. Lois was a constant activist and advocate for human rights, social justice, women’s rights and peace. She was also a close friend of Margaret Laurence, another of the “78”. A modest person with a good sense of humour, she received many awards, including being appointed to the order of Canada. The Group of 78 salutes Lois Wilson as an untiring advocate for a more humane world and a lifelong inspiration.