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| successor = [[Shaughnessy Cohen]]
| successor = [[Shaughnessy Cohen]]
| party = [[New Democratic Party]]
| party = [[New Democratic Party]]
| office1 = {{unbulleted list|Alderman|Ward 3, [[Windsor City Council]]}}
| term_start1 = 10 November 1980
| term_end1 = 24 September 1984
| predecessor1 = Don Clarke
| successor1 = Mike Patrick<ref name = "McCurdy Successor">{{cite news | last1 = Van Nie | first1 = Rob | title = Patrick gets Ward 3 on 1st ballot | work = Windsor Star | date = 3 October 1984 | page = A1 | url = https://www.newspapers.com/image/504176819 | access-date = 22 March 2024 | via = Newspapers.com}}</ref>

| spouse = Brenda Lee
| spouse = Brenda Lee
| children = 4
| children = 4
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| office3 = President of the National Black Coalition of Canada
| office3 = President of the National Black Coalition of Canada
| term3 = 1969–197?
| term3 = 1969–197?
| office4 = Alderman, the city of [[Windsor, Ontario|Windsor]]
| term4 = 1979-1983
| office5 = President of the Windsor Black Coalition
| office5 = President of the Windsor Black Coalition
| term5 = 2003–2005
| term5 = 2003–2005
}}
}}


'''Howard Douglas McCurdy''' {{post-nominals|country=CAN|CM|OOnt|PhD}} (10 December 1932 – 20 February 2018) was a [[Canadians|Canadian]] [[civil rights]] activist, politician and university professor. He grew up in [[Southwestern Ontario]] before moving to the [[Windsor, Ontario]] area. He did his undergraduate work at what is now known as the [[University of Windsor]] and doctoral degree at [[Michigan State University]]. He became a tenured professor at the University of Windsor and eventually became a department head. In the late 1970s, he entered politics when he was elected to the City of Windsor's council. In 1984, McCurdy entered federal politics when he won a seat in the [[House of Commons of Canada| House of Commons]]. He was the second [[Black Canadian]] to serve in parliament and the first for the [[New Democratic Party | New Democratic Party of Canada]]. He lost his seat during a [[Liberal Party of Canada |Liberal Party]] sweep of Ontario ridings. In 2012 he earned several awards including the [[Order of Ontario]] and the [[Order of Canada]]. In later life he had many health issues and died in 2018.
'''Howard Douglas McCurdy''' {{post-nominals|country=CAN|CM|OOnt|PhD}} (10 December 1932 – 20 February 2018) was a [[Canadians|Canadian]] [[civil rights]] activist, politician and university professor. He grew up in [[Southwestern Ontario]] before moving to the [[Windsor, Ontario]], area. He did his undergraduate work at what is now known as the [[University of Windsor]] and doctoral degree at [[Michigan State University]]. He became a tenured professor at the University of Windsor and eventually became a department head. In 1980, he entered politics when he was elected to the City of Windsor's council. In 1984, McCurdy entered federal politics when he won a seat in the [[House of Commons of Canada| House of Commons]]. He was the second [[Black Canadian]] to serve in parliament and the first for the [[New Democratic Party | New Democratic Party of Canada]]. He lost his seat during a [[Liberal Party of Canada |Liberal Party]] sweep of Ontario ridings in the 1993 federal election. In 2012 he earned several awards including the [[Order of Ontario]] and the [[Order of Canada]]. In later life he had many health issues and died in the Windsor-area in 2018.


== Early Life==
== Early life==
Born in [[London, Ontario]], McCurdy's great-great grandfather Nasa McCurdy was an agent on the [[Underground Railroad]] by which [[Slavery in the United States|African-American slaves]] escaped to [[Canada]] in the 19th century.<ref name=obit/><ref name="oo">
Born in [[London, Ontario]], McCurdy's great-great grandfather Nasa McCurdy was an agent on the [[Underground Railroad]] by which [[Slavery in the United States|African-American slaves]] escaped to [[Canada]] in the 19th century.<ref name=obit/><ref name="oo">
{{cite news
{{cite news
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}} </ref>
}} </ref>


==Academic Career==
==Academic career==
McCurdy studied at the [[University of Western Ontario]], where he received a [[Bachelor of Arts]], and later at [[Assumption University (Windsor)|Assumption University]], where he received a [[Bachelor of Science]]. He was awarded a Master of Science and a [[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]] in microbiology and chemistry from [[Michigan State University]]. McCurdy has also served for a time as Michigan State University's president of the [[National Association for the Advancement of Colored People]] (NAACP), which he founded.<ref name=obit/>
McCurdy studied at the [[University of Western Ontario]], where he received a [[Bachelor of Arts]], and later at [[Assumption University (Windsor, Ontario)|Assumption University]], where he received a [[Bachelor of Science]]. He was awarded a Master of Science and a [[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]] in microbiology and chemistry from [[Michigan State University]].<ref name=obit/>


While at Michigan State, McCurdy founded the university's [[National Association for the Advancement of Colored People]] (NAACP) chapter and became its first president.<ref name="windsorpubliclibrary.com" /> In 1962 he founded the Guardian Club a civil rights organization to fight racial discrimination in Windsor. In 1969 he was the co-founder and the first President of the National Black Coalition of Canada.<ref name=obit/>
In 1959, he joined the Biology Department at Assumption College (later the [[University of Windsor]]) and, after initially being hired as a lecturer,<ref name="windsorpubliclibrary.com"/> he eventually became the first person of African descent to hold a tenure-track position in a Canadian university.<ref name=oo/> He was Department Head from 1974 to 1979.<ref name=obit/> In 1976–80 he founded and was President of the Canadian College of Microbiologists. McCurdy authored more than 50 scientific papers and served on the editorial boards of ''Bacteriological Reviews'' and the ''Canadian Journal of Microbiology''. In 1967–68 he was president of the Canadian Association of University Teachers.


In 1959, McCurdy joined the Biology Department at Assumption College, which became the [[University of Windsor]] (U. of W.) in 1963. After initially being hired as a lecturer, he eventually became the first Canadian-born person of African descent to hold a tenure-track position in a Canadian university.<ref name="windsorpubliclibrary.com"/><ref name = "First Black Canadain Prof">
In 1962 he founded the Guardian Club a civil rights organization to fight racial discrimination in Windsor. In 1969 he was the co-founder and the first President of the National Black Coalition of Canada.<ref name=obit/>
{{cite news
| last1 = Quintner
| first1 = David
| title = Racism is muted, under control
| work = Windsor Star
| date = 24 November 1979
| pages = 1, 12
| url = https://www.newspapers.com/image/503996715/
| access-date = 21 March 2024
| via = Newspapers.com
}}</ref> He was the head of the Biology Department from 1973 to 1979.<ref name = "Biology Dept. Chair">
{{cite news
| last1 = Quintner
| first1 = David
| title = U. of W. professor quits biology post
| work = Windsor Star
| date = 20 March 1979
| pages = 3, 4
| url = https://www.newspapers.com/image/503392856
| access-date = 21 March 2024
| via = Newspapers.com
}}</ref> Under his direction, the department grew to include over 1,400 students, 21 full-time faculty members and was the largest department at the university. He more than doubled the department's research grants, and had the highest applied for and received percentage of any biology department in Ontario.<ref name = "Biology Dept. Chair"/>


In 1976–80 he founded and was president of the Canadian College of Microbiologists. McCurdy authored more than 50 scientific papers and served on the editorial boards of ''Bacteriological Reviews'' and the ''Canadian Journal of Microbiology''. In 1967–68 he was president of the Canadian Association of University Teachers.
==Political Career==

McCurdy's speech at the [[New Party (Canada) | New Party]]'s founding convention is credited with choosing the name [[New Democratic Party]] (NDP). In 1979, he was elected alderman for Ward 3 in the [[City of Windsor]] and served two terms.<ref name=obit/><ref name = "Ward Vacancy">
==Political career==

===Windsor City Council===
After stepping down as the head of the University of Windsor's Biology Department, he continued teaching there, but decided at the last minute to run for elected office, to build his credibility as a future candidate.<ref name ="first election">
{{cite news
| last1 = Coleman
| first1 = John
| last2 = Delean
| first2 = Paul
| title = New ... an'rarin' to go
| work = Windsor Star
| date = 11 November 1980
| pages = 1, 2
| url = https://www.newspapers.com/image/503379588
| access-date = 21 March 2024
| via = Newspapers.com
}}</ref> On his first try, he was elected as an [[alderman]] to [[Windsor City Council]] on 10 November 1980.<ref name ="first election"/> He defeated controversial Ward 3 incumbent alderman, Don Clarke. Clarke got into a physical altercation with another alderman in the council chamber as well as being noted for using foul language at meetings. By making an issue of Clarke's lack of comportment at council meetings, McCurdy was able to defeat him, even though he did not live in Ward 3.<ref name ="first election"/> McCurdy won re-election on 8 November 1982.<ref name = "re-election Ward 3">
{{cite news
| last1 = Van Nie
| first1 = Rob
| title = It's down to business for five new alderman
| work = Windsor Star
| date = 9 November 1982
| page = A3
| url = https://www.newspapers.com/image/504331139/

| access-date = 21 March 2024
| via = Newspapers.com
}},</ref> McCurdy represented Ward 3 for two terms, the first term was for two years, and the second term was for three years, before going into federal politics.<ref name = "Ward Vacancy">
{{cite news
{{cite news
| author = Star Staff
| author = Star Staff
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| date = 6 September 1984
| date = 6 September 1984
| pages = A3, A4
| pages = A3, A4
| url = https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/504303472
| url = https://www.newspapers.com/image/504303472
| access-date = 21 March 2024
| access-date = 21 March 2024
| via = [[Newspapers.com]]
| via = [[Newspapers.com]]
}}</ref> He resigned from City Council on 24 September 1984, after he was officially declared the winner of the recent federal election for the local electoral district by [[Elections Canada]].<ref name = "Resigns from City Council">
}}</ref> He resigned from City Council on 24 September 1984, with a little over a year left in his term. He only resigned after he was officially declared the winner of the recent federal election for the local electoral district by [[Elections Canada]].<ref name = "Resigns from City Council">
{{cite news
{{cite news
| last1 = Fox
| last1 = Fox
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| date = 25 September 1984
| date = 25 September 1984
| pages = A1, A10
| pages = A1, A10
| url = https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/504399124/?terms=Howard%20McCurdy&match=1
| url = https://www.newspapers.com/image/504399124/?terms=Howard%20McCurdy&match=1
| access-date = March 21, 2024
| access-date = March 21, 2024
| via = Newspapers.com
| via = Newspapers.com
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===Member of Parliament===
===Member of Parliament===
While still serving as an alderman, he became the New Democratic Party's candidate in the 1984 [[Canadian general election, 1984 | federal election]] for the [[Electoral district (Canada)|riding]] of [[Windsor—Walkerville (federal electoral district) | Windsor—Walkerville]]. Since 1935, the riding was a Liberal stronghold.<ref name = "Defeats Liberals after 49 Years">
While still serving as an alderman, he became the New Democratic Party's candidate in the [[1984 Canadian federal election]] for the [[Electoral district (Canada)|riding]] of [[Windsor—Walkerville (federal electoral district) | Windsor—Walkerville]]. Since 1935, the riding was a Liberal Party stronghold or [[safe seat]].<ref name = "Defeats Liberals after 49 Years">
{{cite news
{{cite news
| last1 = Doeien
| last1 = Doeien
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| date = September 5, 1984
| date = September 5, 1984
| pages = A3, A4
| pages = A3, A4
| url = https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/504302917
| url = https://www.newspapers.com/image/504302917
| access-date = March 20, 2024
| access-date = March 20, 2024
| via = Newspapers.com
| via = Newspapers.com
}}</ref> Not only did McCurdy win, but the Liberal candidate, Terry Patterson, came in third, behind the Progressive Conservative candidate Tom Porter.<ref name = "Defeats Liberals after 49 Years"/> With his victory, he became Canada's second Black [[Member of parliament#Canada | Member of Parliament]] (MP) after Lincoln Alexander, and the first Black NDP MP.<ref name=obit/> He ran for re-election in the [[Redistribution (election)#Canada | redistributed]] riding of [[Windsor—Tecumseh (federal electoral district) | Windsor—St. Clair]] for the [[1988 Canadian federal election|1988 election]]. He defeated Liberal candidate [[Shaughnessy Cohen]].<ref name = "McCurdy Wins 1988">
}}</ref> Not only did McCurdy win, but the Liberal candidate, Terry Patterson, came in third, behind the [[Progressive Conservative Party of Canada |Progressive Conservative]] candidate Tom Porter.<ref name = "Defeats Liberals after 49 Years"/> With his victory, he became Canada's second Black [[Member of parliament#Canada | Member of Parliament]] (MP) after [[Lincoln Alexander]], and the first Black NDP MP.<ref name=obit/> He ran for re-election in the [[Redistribution (election)#Canada | redistributed]] riding of [[Windsor—Tecumseh (federal electoral district) | Windsor—St. Clair]] for the [[1988 Canadian federal election|1988 election]]. He defeated Liberal Party candidate [[Shaughnessy Cohen]].<ref name = "McCurdy Wins 1988">
{{cite news
{{cite news
| last1 = Beneteau
| last1 = Beneteau
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}}</ref>
}}</ref>


===1989 NDP Leadership Run===
===1989 NDP leadership run===
When [[Ed Broadbent]] stepped down as the federal NDP leader, McCurdy decided to run. The delegated [[1989 New Democratic Party leadership_election | leadership convention]] was held in [[Winnipeg]] from 30 November to 3 December 1989. McCurdy finished fifth on the first ballot and decided drop-off the ballot for the second. He moved his delegates over to fellow Windsor MP, [[Steven W. Langdon | Stephen Langdon]],<ref name = "Globe Convention Coverage">
When [[Ed Broadbent]] stepped down as the federal NDP leader, McCurdy decided to run. The delegated [[1989 New Democratic Party leadership_election | leadership convention]] was held in [[Winnipeg]] from 30 November to 3 December 1989. McCurdy finished fifth on the first ballot and decided drop-off the ballot for the second. He moved his delegates over to fellow Windsor MP, [[Steven W. Langdon | Stephen Langdon]],<ref name = "Globe Convention Coverage">
{{cite news
{{cite news
| last1 = Freeman
| last1 = Freeman
| first = Alan
| first1 = Alan
| title = NDP CHOOSES A LEADER Afternoon of alliances, betrayal catapulted McLaughlin to power
| title = NDP CHOOSES A LEADER Afternoon of alliances, betrayal catapulted McLaughlin to power
| work = The Globe and Mail
| work = The Globe and Mail
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| date = 4 December 1989
| date = 4 December 1989
| page = A10
| page = A10
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/1237209319/pageviewPDF/4BCBE2C4E8D340D2PQ/
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/1237209319
| access-date = March 20, 2024
| access-date = March 20, 2024
| id = {{ProQuest|1237209319}}
| url-access = subscription
| url-access = subscription
| via = [[ProQuest]]
| via = [[ProQuest]]
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| first1 = Hugh
| first1 = Hugh
| title = Keen organization and networking compensated for lacklustre speech
| title = Keen organization and networking compensated for lacklustre speech
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/1237209319/fulltextPDF/4BCBE2C4E8D340D2PQ
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/1237209319
| access-date = March 20, 2024
| access-date = March 20, 2024
| work = The Globe and Mail
| work = The Globe and Mail
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| location = Toronto
| location = Toronto
| page = A10
| page = A10
| id = {{ProQuest|1237209319}}
| url-access = subscription
| url-access = subscription
| via = ProQuest
| via = ProQuest
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| date = 26 October 1993
| date = 26 October 1993
| page = A5
| page = A5
| url = https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/502167858/
| url = https://www.newspapers.com/image/502167858/
| access-date = 21 March 2024
| access-date = 21 March 2024
| via = Newspapers.com
| via = Newspapers.com
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}}</ref>
}}</ref>


===After House of Commons===
===Post-House of Commons Career===
A tribute celebration in McCurdy's honour was given by the local NDP electoral district association on 5 March 1994.[[Premier of Ontario | Ontario Premier]] [[Bob Rae]] and some members of his cabinet attended the event, fuelling speculation that McCurdy was going to get a prestigious Ontario appointment. Premier Rae denied such speculation when he talked to the press that evening and none materialized.<ref name = "Local Tribute Celebration 1994">
McCurdy campaigned for the [[Ontario New Democratic Party]] nomination in [[Windsor—Sandwich]] in the build-up to the [[1995 Ontario general election|1995 provincial election]], but was unexpectedly defeated by [[Arlene Rousseau]]. McCurdy had been endorsed by [[Premier of Ontario|Premier]] [[Bob Rae]], while Rousseau was an ally of party dissidents such as [[Peter Kormos]].
{{cite news
| last1 = Smrke
| first1 = Jacqueline
| title = McCurdy night a celebration
| work = Windsor Star
| date = 7 March 1994
| pages = A3–A4
| url = https://www.newspapers.com/image/503772518/
| access-date = 22 March 2024
| via = Newspapers.com
}}</ref>

In April 1994, the federal NDP was in crisis mode as they were no longer an official party in the House of Commons.<ref name = "Official Party Status">
{{cite news
| last1 = McKeague
| first1 = Paul
| title = Don't dismiss the NDP just yet
| work = Windsor Star
| date = 21 April 1994
| page = A6
| url = https://www.newspapers.com/image/503848489
| access-date = 22 March 2024
| via = Newspapers.com
}}</ref> The nine-member House of Commons caucus threatened action if Audrey McLaughlin did not step down as the federal leader.<ref name = "NDP Leadership Crisis 1994">
{{cite news
| last1 = McKeague
| first1 = Paul
| title = McCurdy denies NDP riff
| work = Windsor Star
| date = 20 April 1994
| page = A2
| url = https://www.newspapers.com/image/503847926/
| access-date = 22 March 2024
| via = Newspapers.com

}}</ref> McCurdy was a vice-president of the NDP and sat on the party's federal council. McLaughlin agreed to step down as leader within two years and made that public on 19 April 1984. The council asked her to stay on as leader until a new one could be elected.<ref name = "Official Party Status"/> McCurdy was more interested in seeing the party renew itself, than worry about a leadership convention, and supported the idea that she stay on until the renewal process was completed.<ref name="NDP Leadership Crisis 1994" /> That autumn, people were encouraging him to challenge for NDP leadership again, but he did not make another attempt.<ref name = "Second Leadership Run?">
{{cite news
| last1 = Henderson
| first1 = Gord
| title = Left right out of their hearts?
| work = Windsor Star
| date = 24 September 1994
| page = A6
| url = https://www.newspapers.com/image/504191630/
| access-date = 22 March 2024
| via = Newspapers.com
}}</ref>

===Political comeback attempt===
McCurdy did attempt to get back into elected politics but at the provincial level in 1995. At the time, the [[Ontario New Democratic Party | Ontario NDP]] was the provincial government. However, Premier Rae's [[Social Contract (Ontario) | Social Contract]] wage restriction policy, enacted in 1993, was unpopular with labour unions across the province.<ref name = "Social Contract">
{{cite news
| author = Citizen Staff
| title = Social Contract Trap
| work = The Ottawa Citizen
| date = 10 May 1995
| page = A12
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/239918786/BDDE25CC9F42492DPQ
| access-date = 22 March 2024
| url-access = subscription
| via = ProQuest
}}</ref> It restricted wages of public workers and forced them to take unpaid days off known as "Ray Days". This made him and the government targets of labour leaders such as [[Canadian Union of Public Employees | CUPE]] Ontario's [[Sid Ryan]] and the [[Canadian Auto Workers]] Union's (CAW) [[Buzz Hargrove]].<ref name = "Labour Pissed Off">
{{cite news
| last1 = Wright
| first1 = Lisa
| title = Labor's love not totally lost NDP insists On election eve, government hopes union members will see the light
| work = Toronto Star
| date = 15 April 1995
| page = B5
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/437233525/BDDE25CC9F42492DPQ
| access-date = 22 March 2024
| url-access = subscription
| via = ProQuest
}}</ref> In April, McCurdy was asked by local Windsor–Essex area labour leaders to denounce the Social Contract, which he refused in a letter he wrote to Windsor and District Labour Council president Gary Parent.<ref name="Unions Elect Rae Critic">
{{cite news
| last1 = Henderson
| first1 = Gord
| title = Union puts Rae critic on NDP campaign team
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/269787908
| access-date = 22 March 2024
| work = The Spectator
| date = 3 May 1995
| location = Hamilton, Ontario
| id = {{ProQuest|269787908}}
| url-access = subscription
| via = ProQuest
}}</ref>

On 12 April 1995, McCurdy announced he would be running for the Ontario NDP nomination in the [[Windsor—Sandwich]] electoral district.<ref name = "Officially declares for Nom Race">
{{cite news
| last1 = Rennie
| first1 = Gary
| title = McCurdy enters race for Windsor–Sandwich
| work = Windsor Star
| date = 12 April 1995
| page = A3
| url = https://www.newspapers.com/image/504201800
| access-date = 22 March 2024
| url-access = subscription
| via = ProQuest
}}</ref> It was thought he would be unopposed, and a nomination meeting would be held about two weeks later.<ref name = "Officially declares for Nom Race"/> McCurdy was backed by Premier Rae and the central party already published pamphlets with his name on them.<ref name = "Lost nomination">
{{cite news
| last1 = Crawford
| first1 = Blair
| title = Rebel ousts McCurdy
| work = Windsor Star
| date = 1 May 1995
| page = A1, A4
| url = https://www.newspapers.com/image/504334187/
| access-date = 22 March 2024
| via = Newspapers.com
}}</ref>

But it was not going to be an uncontested race as NDP activist, and Social Contract opponent, [[Ontario New Democratic Party candidates in the 1995 Ontario provincial election#Arlene_Rousseau_(Windsor—Sandwich) | Arlene Rousseau]] entered the race. The nomination was moved up from 18 May to 30 April, because the writ was dropped for the [[1995 Ontario general election]].<ref name="Lost nomination" />

McCurdy's nomination team thought he had 80 votes to Rousseau's 58. But about 30 of his supporters stayed home, likely from pressure from the CAW telling members not to support a Rae-endorsed candidate.<ref name="Unions Elect Rae Critic" /> The unexpected happened, as McCurdy only received 53 votes and was defeated by Rousseau's 58 votes. After publicly congratulating Rousseau, McCurdy met with reporters and said that labour was ""shooting itself in the foot" in order to punish the Rae government for imposing the hated social contract."<ref name="Unions Elect Rae Critic" /> Prescient words as the Mike Harris-lead Progressive Conservatives won the election, and implemented "[[Common Sense Revolution |The Common Sense Revolution]]" program that hurt labour's interests with Bill 138, and caused labour unrest with public sector unions.<ref name ="Bill 136">
{{cite news
| last = Girard
| first = Daniel
| title = Premier willing to meet teachers on strike threat
| work = Toronto Star
| date = 1 October 1997
| page = A11
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/1347239753
| access-date = 22 March 2024
| id = {{ProQuest|1347239753}}
| url-access = subscription
| via = ProQust
}}</ref><ref name ="Labour Gets Harris">
{{cite news
| last = Urquhart
| first = Ian
| title = Tory pendulum swings – but how far?
| work = Toronto Star
| date = 13 April 2002
| page = H2
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/1441556871/8014ABA2B1F84671PQ/
| access-date = 22 March 2024
| url-access = subscription
| via = ProQuest
}}</ref>


In 2003, McCurdy supported [[Bill Blaikie]]'s campaign for NDP leader.
In 2003, McCurdy supported [[Bill Blaikie]]'s campaign for NDP leader.
Line 177: Line 374:


==Death==
==Death==
McCurdy in later life was dealing with health issues, including more than one form of cancer.<ref name="obit">
In later life, McCurdy was dealing with health issues, including more than one form of cancer.<ref name="obit">
{{cite news
{{cite news
| last1 = Chen
| last1 = Chen
Line 197: Line 394:


In 2012, McCurdy was made a member of the [[Order of Ontario]].<ref name = "Order of Ontario">
In 2012, McCurdy was made a member of the [[Order of Ontario]].<ref name = "Order of Ontario">
{{cite news release
{{cite press release
| url = http://news.ontario.ca/mci/en/2012/01/27-appointees-named-to-ontarios-highest-honour.html
| url = http://news.ontario.ca/mci/en/2012/01/27-appointees-named-to-ontarios-highest-honour.html
| date = 20 January 2012
| date = 20 January 2012
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| author = Governor General of Canada
| author = Governor General of Canada
| title = Howard McCurdy
| title = Howard McCurdy
| publisher = [[King's Printer#Federal | Queen's Printer for Canada]]

| publisher = Queen's Printer for Canada
| year = 2012
| year = 2012
| url = http://www.gg.ca/honour.aspx?id=14466&t=12&ln=mccurdy&lan=eng
| url = http://www.gg.ca/honour.aspx?id=14466&t=12&ln=mccurdy&lan=eng

| access-date = 21 March 2024
| access-date = 21 March 2024
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240321064742/https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/126-207157
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240321064742/https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/126-207157

| archive-date = 21 March 2024
| archive-date = 21 March 2024
| url-status = live
| url-status = live
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| author = Governor General of Canada
| author = Governor General of Canada
| title = Dr. Howard McCurdy
| title = Dr. Howard McCurdy

| publisher = Queen's Printer For Canada
| publisher = Queen's Printer For Canada
| year = 2013
| year = 2013
| url = https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/146-10725
| url = https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/146-10725

| access-date = 21 March 2024
| access-date = 21 March 2024
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240321062626/https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/146-10725
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240321062626/https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/146-10725

| archive-date = 21 March 2024
| archive-date = 21 March 2024
| url-status = live
| url-status = live
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[[Category:Windsor, Ontario city councillors]]
[[Category:Windsor, Ontario city councillors]]
[[Category:Black Canadian scientists]]
[[Category:Black Canadian scientists]]
[[Category:20th-century members of the House of Commons of Canada]]

Latest revision as of 23:25, 23 September 2024

For the professor of public affairs, see Howard E. McCurdy.
Howard McCurdy
CM OOnt
Member of Parliament
for Windsor—St. Clair
(Windsor—Walkerville; 1984–1988)
In office
4 September 1984 – 25 October 1993
Preceded byMark MacGuigan
Succeeded byShaughnessy Cohen
In office
10 November 1980 – 24 September 1984
Preceded byDon Clarke
Succeeded byMike Patrick[1]
President of the National Black Coalition of Canada
In office
1969–197?
President of the Windsor Black Coalition
In office
2003–2005
Personal details
Born
Howard Douglas McCurdy

(1932-12-10)10 December 1932
London, Ontario, Canada
Died20 February 2018(2018-02-20) (aged 85)
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Political partyNew Democratic Party
SpouseBrenda Lee
Children4
Residence(s)Windsor, Ontario, Canada
ProfessionBiochemist, professor

Howard Douglas McCurdy CM OOnt (10 December 1932 – 20 February 2018) was a Canadian civil rights activist, politician and university professor. He grew up in Southwestern Ontario before moving to the Windsor, Ontario, area. He did his undergraduate work at what is now known as the University of Windsor and doctoral degree at Michigan State University. He became a tenured professor at the University of Windsor and eventually became a department head. In 1980, he entered politics when he was elected to the City of Windsor's council. In 1984, McCurdy entered federal politics when he won a seat in the House of Commons. He was the second Black Canadian to serve in parliament and the first for the New Democratic Party of Canada. He lost his seat during a Liberal Party sweep of Ontario ridings in the 1993 federal election. In 2012 he earned several awards including the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada. In later life he had many health issues and died in the Windsor-area in 2018.

Early life

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Born in London, Ontario, McCurdy's great-great grandfather Nasa McCurdy was an agent on the Underground Railroad by which African-American slaves escaped to Canada in the 19th century.[2][3]

He moved to Amherstburg, Ontario, when he was 9 and encountered racism for the first time when he tried to join the Cub Scouts and was excluded, being told to form a Black-only troop.[3] He later traced his activism back to his experiences with discrimination at this young age.[4]

Academic career

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McCurdy studied at the University of Western Ontario, where he received a Bachelor of Arts, and later at Assumption University, where he received a Bachelor of Science. He was awarded a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in microbiology and chemistry from Michigan State University.[2]

While at Michigan State, McCurdy founded the university's National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter and became its first president.[4] In 1962 he founded the Guardian Club a civil rights organization to fight racial discrimination in Windsor. In 1969 he was the co-founder and the first President of the National Black Coalition of Canada.[2]

In 1959, McCurdy joined the Biology Department at Assumption College, which became the University of Windsor (U. of W.) in 1963. After initially being hired as a lecturer, he eventually became the first Canadian-born person of African descent to hold a tenure-track position in a Canadian university.[4][5] He was the head of the Biology Department from 1973 to 1979.[6] Under his direction, the department grew to include over 1,400 students, 21 full-time faculty members and was the largest department at the university. He more than doubled the department's research grants, and had the highest applied for and received percentage of any biology department in Ontario.[6]

In 1976–80 he founded and was president of the Canadian College of Microbiologists. McCurdy authored more than 50 scientific papers and served on the editorial boards of Bacteriological Reviews and the Canadian Journal of Microbiology. In 1967–68 he was president of the Canadian Association of University Teachers.

Political career

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Windsor City Council

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After stepping down as the head of the University of Windsor's Biology Department, he continued teaching there, but decided at the last minute to run for elected office, to build his credibility as a future candidate.[7] On his first try, he was elected as an alderman to Windsor City Council on 10 November 1980.[7] He defeated controversial Ward 3 incumbent alderman, Don Clarke. Clarke got into a physical altercation with another alderman in the council chamber as well as being noted for using foul language at meetings. By making an issue of Clarke's lack of comportment at council meetings, McCurdy was able to defeat him, even though he did not live in Ward 3.[7] McCurdy won re-election on 8 November 1982.[8] McCurdy represented Ward 3 for two terms, the first term was for two years, and the second term was for three years, before going into federal politics.[9] He resigned from City Council on 24 September 1984, with a little over a year left in his term. He only resigned after he was officially declared the winner of the recent federal election for the local electoral district by Elections Canada.[10]

Member of Parliament

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While still serving as an alderman, he became the New Democratic Party's candidate in the 1984 Canadian federal election for the riding of Windsor—Walkerville. Since 1935, the riding was a Liberal Party stronghold or safe seat.[11] Not only did McCurdy win, but the Liberal candidate, Terry Patterson, came in third, behind the Progressive Conservative candidate Tom Porter.[11] With his victory, he became Canada's second Black Member of Parliament (MP) after Lincoln Alexander, and the first Black NDP MP.[2] He ran for re-election in the redistributed riding of Windsor—St. Clair for the 1988 election. He defeated Liberal Party candidate Shaughnessy Cohen.[12]

1989 NDP leadership run

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When Ed Broadbent stepped down as the federal NDP leader, McCurdy decided to run. The delegated leadership convention was held in Winnipeg from 30 November to 3 December 1989. McCurdy finished fifth on the first ballot and decided drop-off the ballot for the second. He moved his delegates over to fellow Windsor MP, Stephen Langdon,[13] and then decided to eventually endorse Audrey McLaughlin, who would go on to win.[14] McLaughlin lead the NDP to their worst-ever defeat in the 1993 federal election.[15] That weak NDP campaign hurt his re-election chances when he faced-off against Cohen again, and lost.[16]

Post-House of Commons Career

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A tribute celebration in McCurdy's honour was given by the local NDP electoral district association on 5 March 1994. Ontario Premier Bob Rae and some members of his cabinet attended the event, fuelling speculation that McCurdy was going to get a prestigious Ontario appointment. Premier Rae denied such speculation when he talked to the press that evening and none materialized.[17]

In April 1994, the federal NDP was in crisis mode as they were no longer an official party in the House of Commons.[18] The nine-member House of Commons caucus threatened action if Audrey McLaughlin did not step down as the federal leader.[19] McCurdy was a vice-president of the NDP and sat on the party's federal council. McLaughlin agreed to step down as leader within two years and made that public on 19 April 1984. The council asked her to stay on as leader until a new one could be elected.[18] McCurdy was more interested in seeing the party renew itself, than worry about a leadership convention, and supported the idea that she stay on until the renewal process was completed.[19] That autumn, people were encouraging him to challenge for NDP leadership again, but he did not make another attempt.[20]

Political comeback attempt

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McCurdy did attempt to get back into elected politics but at the provincial level in 1995. At the time, the Ontario NDP was the provincial government. However, Premier Rae's Social Contract wage restriction policy, enacted in 1993, was unpopular with labour unions across the province.[21] It restricted wages of public workers and forced them to take unpaid days off known as "Ray Days". This made him and the government targets of labour leaders such as CUPE Ontario's Sid Ryan and the Canadian Auto Workers Union's (CAW) Buzz Hargrove.[22] In April, McCurdy was asked by local Windsor–Essex area labour leaders to denounce the Social Contract, which he refused in a letter he wrote to Windsor and District Labour Council president Gary Parent.[23]

On 12 April 1995, McCurdy announced he would be running for the Ontario NDP nomination in the Windsor—Sandwich electoral district.[24] It was thought he would be unopposed, and a nomination meeting would be held about two weeks later.[24] McCurdy was backed by Premier Rae and the central party already published pamphlets with his name on them.[25]

But it was not going to be an uncontested race as NDP activist, and Social Contract opponent, Arlene Rousseau entered the race. The nomination was moved up from 18 May to 30 April, because the writ was dropped for the 1995 Ontario general election.[25]

McCurdy's nomination team thought he had 80 votes to Rousseau's 58. But about 30 of his supporters stayed home, likely from pressure from the CAW telling members not to support a Rae-endorsed candidate.[23] The unexpected happened, as McCurdy only received 53 votes and was defeated by Rousseau's 58 votes. After publicly congratulating Rousseau, McCurdy met with reporters and said that labour was ""shooting itself in the foot" in order to punish the Rae government for imposing the hated social contract."[23] Prescient words as the Mike Harris-lead Progressive Conservatives won the election, and implemented "The Common Sense Revolution" program that hurt labour's interests with Bill 138, and caused labour unrest with public sector unions.[26][27]

In 2003, McCurdy supported Bill Blaikie's campaign for NDP leader.

He served as the president of the Windsor Black Coalition from 2003–2005.[4]

Death

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In later life, McCurdy was dealing with health issues, including more than one form of cancer.[2] He died on 20 February 2018, at the age of 85 and was survived by his wife Brenda,[15] four children, and 10 grandchildren.[3]

Awards

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McCurdy has received many awards, including the Canadian Centennial Medal in 1967, the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977, and in 2001 the J. S. Woodsworth Award for Human Rights.[28]

In 2012, McCurdy was made a member of the Order of Ontario.[29] Also in 2012, he received Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubliee Medal.[30] On 19 November 2012, McCurdy was designated a Member of the Order of Canada with investiture into the order occurring on 3 May 2013.[31]

References

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  1. ^ Van Nie, Rob (3 October 1984). "Patrick gets Ward 3 on 1st ballot". Windsor Star. p. A1. Retrieved 22 March 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ a b c d e Chen, Dalson; Waddell, Dave (21 February 2018). "Renowned Windsor civil rights activist and former MP Howard McCurdy dies". Windsor Star. Archived from the original on 13 June 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  3. ^ a b c Pearson, Craig (20 January 2012). "McCurdy named to Order of Ontario". Windsor Star. Archived from the original on 21 February 2018. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d Windsor Public Library. "Howard Douglas McCurdy". Archived from the original on 10 September 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  5. ^ Quintner, David (24 November 1979). "Racism is muted, under control". Windsor Star. pp. 1, 12. Retrieved 21 March 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ a b Quintner, David (20 March 1979). "U. of W. professor quits biology post". Windsor Star. pp. 3, 4. Retrieved 21 March 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b c Coleman, John; Delean, Paul (11 November 1980). "New ... an'rarin' to go". Windsor Star. pp. 1, 2. Retrieved 21 March 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ Van Nie, Rob (9 November 1982). "It's down to business for five new alderman". Windsor Star. p. A3. Retrieved 21 March 2024 – via Newspapers.com.,
  9. ^ Star Staff (6 September 1984). "Council seat up for grabs". Windsor Star. pp. A3, A4. Retrieved 21 March 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ Fox, Brian (25 September 1984). "Ward 3 byelection shot down by Mayor". Windsor Star. pp. A1, A10. Retrieved 21 March 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ a b Doeien, Chris Vander (5 September 1984). "McCurdy's 'historic' win topples Liberal fortress". Windsor Star. pp. A3, A4. Retrieved 20 March 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ Beneteau, Marty; Brennan, Richard (22 November 1988). "McCurdy wins battle, vows to continue war". Windsor Star. p. A5. Retrieved 20 March 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ Freeman, Alan (4 December 1989). "NDP CHOOSES A LEADER Afternoon of alliances, betrayal catapulted McLaughlin to power". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. p. A10. ProQuest 1237209319. Retrieved 20 March 2024 – via ProQuest.
  14. ^ Winsor, Hugh (4 December 1989). "Keen organization and networking compensated for lacklustre speech". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. p. A10. ProQuest 1237209319. Retrieved 20 March 2024 – via ProQuest.
  15. ^ a b Lajoie, Don (26 October 1993). "National profiles just weren't enough". Windsor Star. p. A5. Retrieved 21 March 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ Henton, Darcy (26 October 1993). "Ontario Goes True Grit: Liberals take 98 ridings, Reform grabs 1". Toronto Star. p. B2. Retrieved 20 March 2024 – via ProQuest.
  17. ^ Smrke, Jacqueline (7 March 1994). "McCurdy night a celebration". Windsor Star. pp. A3–A4. Retrieved 22 March 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ a b McKeague, Paul (21 April 1994). "Don't dismiss the NDP just yet". Windsor Star. p. A6. Retrieved 22 March 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ a b McKeague, Paul (20 April 1994). "McCurdy denies NDP riff". Windsor Star. p. A2. Retrieved 22 March 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ^ Henderson, Gord (24 September 1994). "Left right out of their hearts?". Windsor Star. p. A6. Retrieved 22 March 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ Citizen Staff (10 May 1995). "Social Contract Trap". The Ottawa Citizen. p. A12. Retrieved 22 March 2024 – via ProQuest.
  22. ^ Wright, Lisa (15 April 1995). "Labor's love not totally lost NDP insists On election eve, government hopes union members will see the light". Toronto Star. p. B5. Retrieved 22 March 2024 – via ProQuest.
  23. ^ a b c Henderson, Gord (3 May 1995). "Union puts Rae critic on NDP campaign team". The Spectator. Hamilton, Ontario. ProQuest 269787908. Retrieved 22 March 2024 – via ProQuest.
  24. ^ a b Rennie, Gary (12 April 1995). "McCurdy enters race for Windsor–Sandwich". Windsor Star. p. A3. Retrieved 22 March 2024 – via ProQuest.
  25. ^ a b Crawford, Blair (1 May 1995). "Rebel ousts McCurdy". Windsor Star. p. A1, A4. Retrieved 22 March 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ Girard, Daniel (1 October 1997). "Premier willing to meet teachers on strike threat". Toronto Star. p. A11. ProQuest 1347239753. Retrieved 22 March 2024 – via ProQust.
  27. ^ Urquhart, Ian (13 April 2002). "Tory pendulum swings – but how far?". Toronto Star. p. H2. Retrieved 22 March 2024 – via ProQuest.
  28. ^ Keith A. P. Sandiford, A Black Studies Primer: Heroes and Heroines of the African Diaspora, Hansib Publications, 2008, p. 304.
  29. ^ "27 Appointees Named To Ontario's Highest Honour" (Press release). Queen's Printer for Ontario. 20 January 2012. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  30. ^ Governor General of Canada (2012). "Howard McCurdy". Queen's Printer for Canada. Archived from the original on 21 March 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  31. ^ Governor General of Canada (2013). "Dr. Howard McCurdy". Queen's Printer For Canada. Archived from the original on 21 March 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
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