Mary Beth Dolin

Who was Mary Beth Dolin?

Mary Elisabeth Dolin was a politician in Manitoba, Canada. She was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba in 1981 as a New Democrat, and was a cabinet minister in the government of Howard Pawley prior to her death.

Dolin was educated at Webster College, St. Louis University, Washington University and the University of Manitoba. She held a number of degrees, including a Bachelor of Education, and worked a teacher and school administrator before entering political life. She served as a member of the Manitoba Teachers' Society, as well as the Manitoba Association of Rights and Liberties.

Dolin was elected to the Manitoba legislature in the 1981 provincial election in the north-end Winnipeg riding of Kildonan, defeating her Progressive Conservative opponent by more than 2,000 votes. On July 19, 1982, she was named Manitoba Minister of Labour and Manpower, with responsibility for the Civil Service Act, the Civil Service Superannuation Act, the Pension Benefits Act and the Public Servants Insurance Act, and well as the minister responsible for the Status of Women. Following a cabinet shuffle on November 4, 1983, she retained the Labour portfolio and the Status of Women responsibility, while also becoming the Minister of Urban Affairs. As Labour Minister, Dolin conducted the final pension review in Manitoba before 2004.