No Laughing Matter Paperback - 2008

The woman who first brought the issue of spousal abuse to the forefront in Canada presents her memoirs in this interesting, informative, entertaining and often humorous book. Margaret Mitchell is a social activist who pioneered community development in Vancouver, was a courageous feminist MP for Vancouver East, and an international adventuress. Her book is a testament to the struggles and achievements of women MPs, and chronicles her life's adventures and work. As an NDP Member of Parliament, Margaret Mitchell inspired generations of women with her public stand against wife beating with her vocal support for women's equality. She spent 14 years in the House of Commons advocating for affordable housing, multiculturalism, and the rights of poor people.Ms Mitchell worked tirelessly on issues that are alive today, including redress for the Chinese Head Tax, and childcare. The Margaret Mitchell Fund for Women, which Ms Mitchell established after her retirement, continues to support women's self-help projects and scholarships. Prior to entering political life, Margaret Mitchell pioneered community development in Vancouver, helping people to organise and improve life in the city's poorer neighbourhoods. Many organisations she worked with to achieve greater citizen participation are still active today in one form or another and Ms Mitchell acknowledges the many people who participated with her in these endeavours. No Laughing Matter is an engaging story that will have broad public appeal and will be of particular interest to those whose lives Ms Mitchell has touched during her time as a community advocate, politician and friend. It will also interest those involved in political science, women's studies and local history.