David G. Newman, KC: A Legacy of Service, Advocacy, and Peacebuilding

David G. Newman, KC, is widely recognized for his enduring contributions to global causes, particularly through his work with Rotary District 5550 (D5550). His journey as a peacebuilder began alongside the late PDG Cam King and grew through collaborations with Moe Levy, Gail Asper of the Asper Foundation, and fellow Rotarian visionaries. Together, they laid the foundation for Rotary D5550 World Peace Partners (WPP)—a pivotal initiative formally recognized by Rotary D5550 that reflects David’s unwavering commitment to peace and human rights.

As the co-founder of WPP, David served as its Co-Chair and Chair for several years while also holding the role of Honorary Legal Counsel for D5550. Under his leadership, WPP signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Gail Asper and the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) in 2006. This collaboration spurred a series of transformative initiatives, including:

• Rotary Adventures in Human Rights Program (2015)
• Adventures in Global Citizenship/Emerging Issues in Human Rights Course (University of Winnipeg, 2011)
• Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with CMHR (2010), University of Winnipeg, University of Manitoba, and Canadian Mennonite University (2009)
• Annual Peace Days and Peace Days 365 (since 2010) – www.peacedays.ca
• UNESCO Cross-Borders for Peace Program (2012), evolving into Youth Nuclear Peace Summits at CMHR (2019, 2022, 2023, 2024) – www.youthnuclearpeacesummit.org
• Rules of Law on Earth Project, in collaboration with Dr. Kawser Ahmed and housed at the Conflict and Resilience Research Institute Canada (CRRIC) – www.rulesoflawonearth.org

David’s career has been marked by an exceptional dedication to justice, human rights, and community building. From his early days as a Dalhousie law student (Class of 1968), where he co-organized a historic national conference for Canada’s 1967 Centennial, David’s leadership and vision have consistently shone. As a lawyer, he became a trusted advocate in areas such as institutional abuse, labor law, Aboriginal rights, and environmental law. His tenure as a Manitoba Cabinet Minister (responsible for Northern and Native Affairs, Energy and Mines, and Manitoba Hydro) was characterized by a collaborative and forward-thinking approach that transcended partisanship.

David has been a tireless ally to Canada’s Indigenous communities, advocating for systemic reforms to the Indian Act and standing with those fighting for democracy and human rights. His work is defined by a commitment to dignity, respect, and compassion for the most vulnerable, whom he describes as “wounded and afraid, yet courageous in their pursuit of justice.”

Within Rotary, David’s contributions are vast. Joining the Rotary Club of Winnipeg in 1983, he served as Club President (1994-1995), became a Paul Harris Fellow (1992), and co-founded Rotary World Peace Partners in 2003. He also co-founded and chaired the Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) and Peace Builder Committees, advancing reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts. David played a key role in launching Peace Days in 2010 and served as District 5550 Honorary Legal Counsel until his retirement.

After a period of reflection in 2023, David returned to Rotary and HIP in 2024 with renewed energy and commitment. His co-creation of the Rules of Law on Earth Project (RoLE) with Dr. Kawser Ahmed and CRRIC reflects his enduring mission to inspire the abolition of nuclear weapons and foster a global justice system rooted in human rights, Indigenous values, and the Rotary Four-Way Test.

David’s volunteerism is a testament to his independence and integrity, allowing him to act without fear, favor, or undue loyalty to any individual or organization. He has established four endowment funds to sustain his philanthropic legacy:

1. Walter C. Newman, KC Legal Research Fund (University of Manitoba Foundation) – Supporting legal research.
2. Be the Change Fund in Honor of Erich, Ursula, and Mary Schmidt (Winnipeg Foundation) – Advancing peace and understanding.
3. David and Brenda Newman Endowment Fund (Rotary Foundation) – Supporting the Rotary Peace Fellow program.
4. David and Brenda Newman Endowment Fund (Winnipeg Foundation) – Sustaining their charitable legacy.

David’s life and work exemplify Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” His steadfast dedication to advancing peace, justice, and compassionate action continues to inspire individuals worldwide to create a more equitable and harmonious future.