Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps Expressed her Regret upon Hearing of the Death of Carol Shields
July 17, 2003 -- "Carol Shields was one of this country's literary giants," said Minister Copps. "Her novels, short stories, and poetry have comforted, encouraged, and inspired millions of people across the country and around the world. The characters she created were easy to identify with. She wrote about ordinary people. She made us see and understand that, as ordinary as we may see ourselves, our lives are in many ways extraordinary. She encouraged us to examine and to appreciate the everyday wonder of our lives.Her death represents an enormous loss for Canada, for Canadians, and for those around the world who were touched by her words.
I believe that many of us can say, in the words of Reta Winters, a character in her last novel, that we are 'going through a period of great unhappiness and loss just now.'"
The Minister offered her sincere condolences to Ms. Shields' family and friends.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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