Dale Dewar
Dale Dewar has committed herself to agricultural education and the youth of Prince Edward Island. From her early days as a 4H member to senior positions in government, Dale’s leadership has left an indelible mark on PEI’s agriculture industry.
Born in 1943 in Charlottetown, Dale’s passion for agriculture began at an early age. Living with her grandfather, Walter Jones, Dale developed an interest in dairy cattle while working with his world champion milk producer, Abegweit Milady. At 10 years of age Dale moved back to her family’s dairy farm, where she worked closely with her father Lincoln, and took responsibility for the Dewar’s breeding program.
Dale faced challenges at a young age, when she contracted polio at three years old. Despite surgeries and hospitalization that impacted her schooling, Dale graduated from Montague Regional High School. Her leadership skills were recognized early on, when she received the Birks Medal for demonstrated leadership, after being named President of Student Council and Valedictorian. Upon graduation Dale attended the Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown, followed by Mount Allison University, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics in 1967.
Dale’s passion for agriculture blossomed as a 4H member. Actively involved with the calf club, she would eventually transition from 4H member to a leadership role, when in 1967 she began her career with the Department of Agriculture as a 4H worker, and later in 1969 became 4H Supervisor. It was during this period that the province introduced an enhanced and larger extension education program in agriculture. As a result, Dale traveled extensively throughout PEI, working closely with 4H members and educating youth about agriculture.
Under Dale’s leadership, the 4H program underwent dramatic changes, including the introduction of the Danish System of Judging and the requirement that every member do a public speech or demonstration. Dale was also instrumental in establishing Community 4H Clubs, which brought boys and girls together to work on 4H projects. Dale’s interest in competition for 4H members led her to pursue a Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin. Upon her return to the Department of Agriculture, Dale oversaw the introduction of a province wide radio quiz show and a weekly radio program, and in 1974 she became the President of the Canadian 4H council.
Dale’s commitment to 4H and the youth of PEI led her to become the Director of Rural Development. In addition to overseeing five district extension offices, she was responsible for training for the Young Farmer program, community school courses, weekly training for home helpers, and short courses in home economics. In 1983 Dale established her own business, D. Dewar & Associates, specializing in conference and event management, and computerized records services. One of her most notable projects was to develop a public awareness program about agriculture for urban residents in the Maritime provinces.
In 1986, Dale returned to public service when she was appointed Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Dale was instrumental in introducing critical new initiatives, including developments in bio-technology, farm financing alternatives, the establishment of the Food Technology Centre, new integrated pest management programs, and computer training. She was also responsible for departmental restructuring to focus on agricultural sustainability, such as soil conservation and the reduction of off-farm inputs. Dale’s extensive experience in provincial government would lead to her appointment as Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister Affairs Canada, Minister responsible for ACOA, Minister of Labour, and the Solicitor General of Canada, positions she held for nine years.
In retirement, Dale continues to actively serve her community. She is part of a dedicated group developing the Jean Pierre Roma National Historic Site at Brudenell Point.
Nominated by the PEI Women in Agriculture for her unwavering engagement of PEI’s youth and her committed service to agriculture in PEI, Dale Dewar is certainly a worthy inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.Â