Shaughnessy Cohen facts for kids

Elizabeth Shaughnessy Cohen (born Murray; February 11, 1948 – December 9, 1998) was an important Canadian politician. She was a member of the Liberal Party of Canada. From 1993 until her death in 1998, she represented the area of Windsor—St. Clair in the Canadian Parliament.

About Shaughnessy Cohen

Shaughnessy Cohen was born in London, Ontario. She grew up in a town called Thamesville. She went to the University of Windsor to study English and sociology. Later, she taught at St. Clair College. She then went back to school to become a lawyer. In 1971, she married Jerry Cohen, who was a psychology professor. She became a lawyer in 1979 and worked in this job before becoming a politician.

Her Time in Politics

Becoming a Member of Parliament

Shaughnessy Cohen first tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) in the 1988 election. She ran for the Liberal Party in the Windsor—St. Clair area. She did not win that election. However, in the 1993 election, she ran again. This time, she won the seat and became an MP.

What She Did as an MP

After becoming an MP, Shaughnessy Cohen worked hard for her community. One of her first actions was to ask the government to name a building in Windsor after a former MP, Paul Martin, Sr.. The government agreed to her request.

In 1994, she joined an important group called the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources and Development. This committee helps make decisions about people's well-being and social programs. She also supported a law that aimed to protect equality rights for everyone.

In 1996, Shaughnessy Cohen traveled to the Middle East. She helped monitor an election there, making sure it was fair. In March of that year, she became the chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice. In this role, she reviewed a law about young offenders. Her work helped lead to new changes in that law in 1998.

She was re-elected in the 1997 election. In her second term, she focused on cleaning up pollution in the Detroit River. This was a big environmental project she cared deeply about.

Her Death in Parliament

On December 9, 1998, something very sad happened. Shaughnessy Cohen collapsed in the House of Commons building. This happened just after she had spoken to the House. Several other MPs who were doctors quickly helped her. Paramedics then took her to the hospital. She had a serious medical emergency and passed away soon after.

She was the first MP to have a fatal health incident right inside the House of Commons chamber. The next day, MPs from all political parties spoke about her. They shared how much they respected her. They talked about her strong beliefs and her friendly personality. As a sign of respect, the MPs decided to end their session early for the Christmas holiday.

Her funeral was held a few days later. Many important people attended, including the Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien. Over 800 people came to the service. She was cremated, and her ashes were buried on Pelee Island.

After her death, a special election was held to choose a new MP for her area. Her husband, Jerry Cohen, tried to get the Liberal nomination but did not win. Rick Limoges won that election.

Her Legacy

Shaughnessy Cohen is remembered for her dedication to public service. In 2000, a special literary award was created in her memory. It is called the Shaughnessy Cohen Award for Political Writing. This award celebrates excellent books about Canadian politics. A book about her life, called Shaughnessy: The Passionate Politics of Shaughnessy Cohen, was also published.