Donald Oliver facts for kids

Donald H. Oliver is a Canadian lawyer, real estate developer, and politician. He was born on November 16, 1938. Mr. Oliver served in the Senate of Canada from 1990 until 2013. He was appointed by former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Donald Oliver was the first Black man to become a Senator in Canada. He was also the second Black Canadian ever appointed to the Senate.

Oliver is a member of Nova Scotia's Black community. His family history includes African-American refugees. These refugees were resettled in Canada by the British after the War of 1812. His grandfather, William A. White, moved to Canada from Baltimore, Maryland, in 1900. Donald Oliver is related to famous Canadians like opera singer Portia White and politician Bill White.

Early Life and Education

Donald Oliver was born in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. His parents were Helena Isabella (White) and Clifford Harlock Oliver. He grew up with four siblings. His grandfather, William A. White, became a Baptist minister. His grandmother, Izie Dora White, was born in Nova Scotia. Her family came from Black refugees who moved to Canada during the War of 1812.

Oliver went to local schools. He then studied philosophy at Acadia University, graduating in 1960. He later attended law school at Dalhousie University. He became a lawyer in 1965.

A Career in Law and Teaching

After law school, Oliver worked as a lawyer in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He practiced law for 36 years, mainly handling civil cases. He also taught law at Dalhousie University Law School for 14 years. He taught law courses at other universities too. He holds the title of King's Counsel, which is an honour for experienced lawyers.

Joining Politics

Donald Oliver was very active in the Progressive Conservative Party. He worked as the party's legal director for six federal elections. This was from 1972 to 1988. He also served as a federal vice-president for the party. He helped with fundraising for the PC Canada Fund.

Oliver also held important roles in the Nova Scotia branch of the party. He was the Constitution Chairman and a member of the Finance Committee. He also served as a Vice-President for the party in Nova Scotia.

Becoming a Senator

On September 7, 1990, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney recommended Donald Oliver for the Senate. As a Senator, he worked on many important issues. He was a member of the committee that looked at banking, trade, and business. He also chaired committees on transportation, communications, and agriculture.

Senator Oliver also helped lead a special committee. This committee worked on a code of conduct for politicians. He helped create new laws, including one to stop spam emails. On March 4, 2010, he was named Speaker pro tempore of the Senate. This means he could fill in for the Speaker when needed. Oliver retired from the Senate on November 16, 2013, when he turned 75.

Community Work and Honours

Donald Oliver has always been active in his community. He was the President and Chairman of the Halifax Children's Aid Society. He also led the Neptune Theatre Foundation. He was a founding director of the Black United Front. He also helped start the Society for the Protection and Preservation of Black Culture in Nova Scotia.

In December 2019, Governor General Julie Payette announced a special honour for Oliver. He was appointed as a member of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest civilian honours. In 2020, he was also appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia.

Personal Life

Donald Oliver is married and has one daughter. When he is not in Ottawa, he lives on his farm in Queens County, Nova Scotia. Senator Oliver is an honorary patron for Crossroads International. In 1962, he volunteered with Crossroads in Ethiopia. He has said this experience changed his life.