'Outside In' -- Libby Davies reflects on her life of social justice and public service

With the federal election just six months away, new candidates are putting their names forward to run. And some familiar names we've seen during many campaigns have assessed their future and decided it's time to move on to the next phase of their lives. Either way, it's a hard decision.

Libby Davies knows firsthand what it's like to make that choice. In 2015, she decided to retire from her position as member of Parliament for Vancouver East after six consecutive terms. Her career in politics and her life in activism goes back a long way. She's been a social activist for over 40 years, beginning as a community organizer in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside in 1972. She was elected to Vancouver City Council for 5 consecutive terms, 1982-1993. She became the member of Parliament for Vancouver East for six consecutive terms, 1997-2015, also serving as the NDP House Leader, (2003-2011) and Deputy Leader (2007-2015). Libby has been an outspoken advocate for human rights, housing, peace, and social justice throughout her political life.

She has written a new book called Outside In – A Political Memoir where she explores her life as a politician and as a fighter for equality and justice for some of the most vulnerable people in our country. She spoke to rabble podcast executive producer Victoria Fenner about her new book and thoughts about her life in politics.

Libby Davies is beginning her book tour next week on May 15 at 7 p.m. at the Centre for Social Innovation at 192 Spadina Avenue. She'll be returning to Vancouver for a book reading and signing on May 22 at SFU's Harbour Centre. She'll also be coming to Winnipeg, Ottawa, Hamilton and Mississauga in the upcoming weeks. You can see the schedule here.

Image: Libby Davies

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