Former Senator Anne Clare Cools, the first Black member appointed to the Senate of Canada (and the first Black senator in North America), embodied a legacy of political determination and resilience. Born and raised in Barbados to a pharmacist father and a homemaker mother, Cools inherited a family tradition of civic engagement; her grandfather and uncle were politically active in their community. This early exposure to leadership and advocacy would shape her path in remarkable ways. Cools and her family immigrated to Montreal in 1957, seeking new opportunities in Canada. She pursued higher education there, earning a B.A. in psychology and sociology from McGill University in 1981. This passion became the cornerstone of her career, guiding her efforts to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
In 1974, Cools moved to Toronto, where she founded Women in Transition Inc., one of Canada’s first shelters for victims of domestic violence. At a time when awareness and resources for such issues were scarce, her initiative was groundbreaking. Cools’ dedication to providing safety and support for women escaping abuse highlighted her commitment to social justice and equality.
Her activism and advocacy eventually propelled her into the political sphere. When Cools decided to enter politics, she set her sights on a federal Liberal riding in Toronto, a bold move that placed her in the national spotlight. The riding of Rosedale, where she campaigned, was a study in contrasts. To the north of Bloor Street, affluent families resided in quiet, upscale neighbourhoods. To the south, the area transformed into a vibrant and diverse urban community marked by economic challenges. This sharp divide mirrored the broader societal inequities that Cools was determined to address.
The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) documentary The Right Candidate for Rosedale, directed by Bonnie Sherr Klein and Anne Henderson, chronicled Cools’ campaign. The film offered an intimate look at her grassroots efforts, drawing comparisons to other iconic political documentaries like The Times of Harvey Milk.
Cools’ approach to campaigning—working from her 60 the EDGE Spring 2025 policies ANNE CLARE COOLS A Legacy of Courage by The Edge Team Former Senator Anne Clare Cools, the first Black member appointed to the Senate of Canada (and the first Black senator in North America), embodied a legacy of political determination and resilience. Born and raised in Barbados to a pharmacist father and a homemaker mother, Cools inherited a family tradition of civic engagement; her grandfather and uncle were politically active in their community. This early exposure to leadership and advocacy would shape her path in remarkable ways. Cools and her family immigrated to Montreal in 1957, seeking new opportunities in Canada. She pursued higher education there, earning a B.A. in psychology and sociology from McGill University in 1981. This passion became the cornerstone of her career, guiding her efforts to make a difference in the lives of those in need. apartment, knocking on doors, and engaging directly with residents— reflected her hands-on, empathetic style. Though she ultimately did not secure the nomination to run, her candidacy was a powerful statement about inclusion and representation in Canadian politics.
Her efforts did not go unnoticed. Then, impressed by her passion and determination, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau appointed her to the Senate in 1984. This appointment marked a historic milestone for Cools and the country, as she became the first Black senator in Canada. In the Senate, she was a staunch supporter of families, frequently addressing issues related to child custody and domestic violence. Her speeches often carried a profound sense of justice, reflecting her commitment to challenging systemic inequities.
Cools served with the Liberal caucus for two decades before a significant turning point in her political journey. During the sponsorship scandal that rocked the Liberal Party, Cools experienced a crisis of conscience. Unwilling to compromise her principles, she crossed the floor and joined the Conservatives. Her tenure with the Conservatives, however, was short-lived. In 2007, they expelled Cools from the caucus after openly criticizing then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper, showcasing her trademark willingness to speak truth to power, regardless of political affiliation. On August 11, 2018, Cools retired as Dean of the Senate.
At the time of her retirement, she was the longest-serving member of the Senate, having dedicated 34 years to public service. Stepping down as an independent senator, she left a legacy of trailblazing achievements and profound impact. Cools’ life and career testify to the power of resilience and vision. From her early days in Barbados to her historic role in Canadian politics, she consistently broke barriers and challenged norms. Her ability to navigate personal and professional adversities with strength and integrity made her an enduring figure in Canadian history.
Whether she was addressing the Senate chamber, advocating for victims of domestic violence, or engaging with constituents on the campaign trail, Cools brought a unique blend of compassion and determination to everything she did. Her story is one of personal triumph and a reminder of the importance of representation and inclusivity in leadership. Anne Clare Cools’ contributions paved the way for future generations of leaders, demonstrating that the courage to stand up for one’s beliefs can drive meaningful change. Her legacy inspires those seeking to create a more equitable and just society in Canada
Kenny Hedges | Contributing Writer