Marie Burge, a dedicated advocate for various causes on Prince Edward Island, passed away at the age of 88 in Charlottetown. Throughout her life, she championed workers’ rights, environmental conservation, and social justice, aiming to create a more fair and just community on the island.
In 1984, Burge played a key role in establishing the Cooper Institute, a non-profit organization focused on research, education, and community development. Joe Byrne, a close friend and colleague at the institute, praised Burge for her ability to inspire others to think differently and take on new challenges.
Before her involvement with the Cooper Institute, Burge was deeply engaged in community efforts. She joined the Sisters of St. Martha in 1958 and taught at Kinkora High School. Burge also spent five years in the Dominican Republic as part of the Latin American Mission Program, where she and Sister Teresa Currie bravely protected a young man from death squads.
Upon her return from the mission, Burge was transformed and driven to advocate for marginalized groups. She fearlessly tackled various social issues and brought people together to create positive change.
One of Burge’s significant pursuits was advocating for a basic income guarantee for P.E.I. Byrne highlighted her unwavering dedication to this cause, emphasizing her belief in a system that benefits everyone, not just a few.
Burge received several awards recognizing her contributions, including the Order of P.E.I., the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal. She was actively involved in advocating for land and water rights, co-founding the Coalition for the Protection of P.E.I. Lands and supporting the National Farmers Union. Additionally, she was a member of the P.E.I. Working Group for a Livable Income.
Described as always cheerful, Burge was known for her humility and refusal to take credit for the progress she helped achieve in the province. Her impact and legacy were acknowledged by the P.E.I. New Democratic Party, who expressed deep sorrow at her passing and praised her unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive community.
Marie Burge will be remembered for her tireless efforts to bring positive change to Prince Edward Island and her ability to inspire others to make a difference.