Former Ottawa city councillor Diane Deans in palliative care
Former Ottawa city councillor Diane Deans is in palliative care after a five-year battle with ovarian cancer, according to Gloucester-Southgate Coun. Jessica Bradley.
Deans represented the Gloucester-Southgate area for nearly 30 years. She was first elected to the former Southgate ward in 1994 and represented the post-amalgamation Gloucester-Southgate ward until 2022.
Deans was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2019, taking an extended leave from her duties for treatment. She returned to work one year later.
"Those who know Diane, know that she is a fighter," said Bradley in a statement. "Diane has courageously fought this insidious disease and has been a pillar of strength throughout her journey. Her battle has been a public one and the support and outpour of love from the community has kept her strong."
Bradley was Deans's former executive assistant and received the long-time councillor's endorsement in the 2022 municipal election.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said he was shocked and saddened to learn the news. He told CTV News Ottawa he spoke with Deans recently over the phone to express his sympathies.
"She was really a trailblazer and a mentor to so many people, as a woman in politics," he said. "And I know her impact on her community is very significant, but I know beyond just the community that she served, her impact on women who aspired to a career in elected office was very profound as well."
Deans's 28-year career in municipal politics included chairing several important boards and committees, including becoming the first woman to chair the Ottawa Police Services Board. Councillors would later oust her from that position amid fallout from the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests and Deans's move to hire a new police chief. She had announced a plan to run for mayor, but later said she would not seek the job, citing "personal and professional reasons."
Bradley says Deans is being supported by her family, who are asking for privacy. Further details will be shared in time, Bradley said.
"In recognition of Diane's service to the city, Mayor (Mark) Sutcliffe and I will be bringing forward a motion to Council to rename the Greenboro Community Centre in her honour," said Bradley. "The centre is just one of the many contributions that Diane has made and this recognition will serve to not only honour her memory but to remind us all of an amazing woman who truly made a difference."
Bay Ward Coun. Theresa Kavanagh said she visited Deans in the hospital this week.
"I got to chat with her for a while. She was in great spirits for somebody in her situation. Fighter 'til the end, full of ideas and just inspirational," Kavanagh said.
Kavanagh praised Deans's insight and intelligence and said she worked very hard for her constituents and the city.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Thousands are expected to rally on Washington's National Mall in support of Palestinian rights
Thousands of protesters are expected to turn out for a rally in the American capital Saturday in support of Palestinian rights and an immediate end to Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Hundreds walk backwards in downtown Montreal to symbolize the decline of LGBTQ2S+ rights
On Friday, hundreds gathered and walked backwards in the heart of Montreal to honour the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
Jesus is their savior, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.
To plant or not to plant? Gardening tips for May long weekend
May long weekend is finally here, and with the extra time off you may be getting the itch to head out to your garden and plant. However, the old debate whether you should plant now, or wait, is still ever-present.