Sheila Copps

The Honourable Sheila Maureen Copps, PC, (born November 27, 1952, in Hamilton, Ontario) is a Canadian journalist and politician.

Respite and Worth Fighting For

On May 14, 2004, Copps stood in the Canadian House of Commons and announced she would not be running for re-election as an independent. She later suggested in comments to reporters that she may return to politics once Paul Martin is no longer Prime Minister. In her first public engagement after departing politics, she accepted a role in a Kingston, Ontario stage production of Steel Magnolias. She also guest starred on the night time soap opera Train 48.

Related Topics:
May 14 - 2004 - Canadian House of Commons - Paul Martin - Kingston, Ontario - Steel Magnolias - Soap opera - Train 48

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In late October 2004, her second autobiography, Worth Fighting For, was published by McClelland and Stewart, resulting in public controversy with Paul Martin and other members of the Liberal Party on October 22, 2004. The book has stirred controversy due to Copps' allegation that Martin had put a pledge in his 1995 budget to rescind the "outdated" Canada Health Act and that her intervention had the offending line removed from the document. Her allegations have not been supported by any other individuals involved and have been denied by Martin, David Dodge (who Copps claims faxed her the draft of the budget), Diane Marleau (who was Health Minister at the time) and others. The credibility of the claim is further undermined by Copps' admission that she is writing based on memory alone without any documents or other evidence to back her up.

Related Topics:
2004 - October 22 - 1995 - Canada Health Act - David Dodge - Diane Marleau - Health Minister

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After departing politics, Copps wrote regular commentary for the National Post. In September 2005, concurrent with a redesign, she was introduced as a regular columnist for the Toronto Sun.

Related Topics:
National Post - 2005 - Toronto Sun

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She also hosts a weekly syndicated radio talk show, Weekends with Sheila Copps, focused on lifestyle issues, particularly health and financial planning. She succeeded Dini Petty as host of the series.

Related Topics:
Radio talk show - Lifestyle - Health - Financial planning - Dini Petty

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