Paul’s tireless work on issues of local importance and his personable nature have combined to create a popular politician. He is a community leader with a deep commitment to positive change. He reaches out to the community on an ongoing basis to develop policies and prioritize his work in parliament.

Since his first election, Paul has worked with the community and used various tools available in and outside of Parliament to garner support and get results for Ottawa Centre. He continues to lead successful campaigns on preserving the Ottawa River, protecting the Gatineau Park and improving cycling in Ottawa. He has advocated on the community’s ideas for a better and stronger economy. He has been a voice for the community’s progressive values on human rights. He has spoken out for fairness for new Canadians. And on numerous occasions he has brought the community together to develop ideas for improving life in Ottawa Centre and across the country.

As the New Democrat Foreign Affairs Critic, Paul Dewar has been a voice for peace in Afghanistan, the rights of Canadian citizens abroad, nuclear disarmament, and women’s meaningful engagement in peace building. Paul has pressured the government to meet its commitments to the global community including our commitments on aid and peacekeeping.

Paul lives in Old Ottawa East with his wife, Julia Sneyd, and their two children – Nathaniel, 15, and Jordan, 12.

What they’re saying about Paul:

“Ottawa Centre MP Paul Dewar also invests considerable energy making himself available at the community level. In a democracy, the distance between government officials and the citizenry should never grow too wide. The events that MPs such as Dewar attend are not high-profile, but their presence is important all the same”. The Ottawa Citizen, March 2010.

“Dewar, son of Marion Dewar, the late mayor of Ottawa and a former NDP MP herself, is a notable example in a party of insistent, eager parliamentarians” Maclean’s, August 2009.

“Ottawa Centre's Paul Dewar is a current example of an NDP member of Parliament who punches above his weight”. The Ottawa Citizen, August 2009

“At this low moment in our political life, Dewar reminds us what public affairs should be all about” Globe and Mail, June 2009.

“Pick almost any important local issue, especially one with national overtones, and it won't be hard to figure out where Ottawa Centre MP Paul Dewar stands. From the location of the National Portrait Gallery to the Ottawa River or Lebreton Flats, Dewar has been a vocal, powerful member in the House of Commons on local issues” The Ottawa Sun, September 2008.

“Dewar, in Ottawa-Centre, has been effective in raising a wide range of concerns. Unlike most of our area MPs, he has been front and centre on issues that matter to people here. Better access to doctors, more protection for Gatineau Park, a new approach on the Ottawa River and a reduction of temporary workers in the public service top his list” The Ottawa Citizen, September 2008.