Ms. June Callwood

One of Canada’s most well-known social justice activists, June Callwood has spoken out passionately on behalf of the vulnerable and the disenfranchised for more than six decades.

As a print and television journalist and author of 30 books, she has drawn creatively upon her many journalistic and networking talents in her efforts to inform Canadians and increase social consciousness on many issues, including the domestic abuse of women and children, HIV/AIDS and its complex and long-term effects on families and circles of care, and the challenges of child and family poverty. June’s prolific journalism career has been marked by compassion and a strong concern for social justice. Her writing has had a profound impact on both decision-makers and on the evolution of the media’s portrayal of issues affecting children and families.

June has founded or co-founded over 50 social action organizations, such as Digger House, a youth hostel; Nellie’s hostel for women; Jessie’s, a centre for teenage parents; Casey House, a hospice for people with AIDS; PEN Canada; the Writers’ Union of Canada; Feminists Against Censorship; the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Justice for Children and Youth, a legal clinic which has taken a strong advocacy role for youth, especially those in care. In 1997, she co-founded the Campaign Against Child Poverty (CACP), a group of individuals and faith communities dedicated to raising awareness about child and family poverty.

For her tireless volunteer work, June has received 17 honorary doctorates and has been invested with the highest rank of the Order of Canada. Her singular attention to the lives of those who have been marginalized, particularly children living in poverty, merits further commendation by the network of family service agencies in Canada. For her outstanding contributions to child and family advocacy over the past 60 years, Family Service Canada is proud to award June Callwood with the 2005 Rosemarie Popham Family Advocacy Award.