Deborah Grey: A Woman of Purpose
Deborah Grey is a Member of Parliament in Canada. She was the first member of her newly national political party – the Reform Party – elected to Parliament. She has served as the Reform caucus chairman throughout her tenure. Deborah was appointed Deputy Parliamentary Leader in June 1995 and continues to fulfill this role. She and her husband, Lewis Larson, live in Edmonton, Alberta.
“Good morning!” perks Deborah on the phone the morning of our interview. “Guess what I’m doing right now? Sitting on my deck in my bathing suit, sipping tea and enjoying a fruit salad.”
Not exactly what one might expect from a political pioneer, but Deborah Grey has always been a true original.
Enjoying a much-needed rest, this busy politician opens her heart
with characteristic candor to share some of the ups and downs of being a woman in politics, the personal experiences that created a woman of purpose, and what makes it all worthwhile:
What would you say is your greatest political accomplishment?
Representing the Reform Party alone for four and a half years. That I didn’t damage the party enough to prevent their gaining 52 seats in 1993!
I had some dark, lonely days in Ottawa [the capital of Canada] during that time. No one would sit with me in a restaurant. Instead, people walked by pointing and whispering, “There’s Deborah Grey, the Reform MP!” Some days I felt as though I had leprosy! My strong faith and sense of humour brought me through.
You live a good distance from Parliament. What is a typical week’s schedule?
Leave home on Sunday at 4 pm – I hate that part. Once I’m on the plane I mentally switch gears, knowing there’s a million things to do. Arrive in Ottawa at midnight. I’m in my office shortly after 7 am. Days are filled with committee meetings, interviews, question periods, receptions, sorting through mail, and staff meetings. After my staff leaves for the evening, I catch up on correspondence and preparations for the next day. I usually leave the office between 9 and 11 pm. Thursday nights I fly back home to work in my constituency office on Friday and attend functions on Saturday.
You were married in 1993. How does your schedule affect your marriage?
I was an MP when Lew and I met so we knew my schedule before getting married. That doesn’t make it any easier when he drives me to the airport every Sunday. We talk lots on the phone when I’m away. Lew has his own carpentry business, so when I’m home he adjusts his schedule so we can be together. He attends some official functions with me, knowing that he’s always welcome, and I love it when he does. He’s graciously learned to ride a Gold Wing bike and we ride with the Christian Motorcyclist Association. We have intercoms on our bikes – Lew says mine is for talking; his is for listening! We don’t have to go out to do a lot of things – we simply enjoy being together, doing anything peaceful.
Your growing up years had some ups and downs.
When I was about 2 years old, my dad contracted TB and spent time in a sanatorium. Soon after his recovery he was hospitalized with a broken back while Mom once more cared for the five children. When Dad turned to alcohol to deal with the stress, our lives took a painful downward spiral. For months at a time his whereabouts remained a mystery to us. He dropped by occasionally until I was 9, then vanished for years.
I blamed myself for Dad’s problems. Acting out my anger and frustration, I earned a “troublemaker” reputation in school. At the end of grade eight the principal called me into his office, explaining that I’d be on probation in the fall. That got my attention! My mom ran a tight ship at home. I knew I’d be in big trouble if I got kicked out. I promised to straighten up, not having a clue how that would happen.
How did you fulfill that promise?
While attending a summer camp, I heard that Jesus really was God’s Son and that He died for every person. At first I thought, “I don’t want to call these people liars, but I can’t believe He died for me. I’m unlovable; I drove my dad away.” Not having a good father image made it difficult to understand the concept of a loving God who wanted to be my Father. I was also afraid I’d be forced into a particular mode by becoming a Christian. But I wrestled with the words I heard.
Finally I prayed, “Okay Jesus, I’m going to believe you. I don’t know who you are. I don’t know what you are. But the Bible and these people tell me that you love me and died for me. I want to become a Christian right now.” And I did. That was August 5, 1966. I’ve never regretted it. It was the most important decision I’ve ever made.
Walking into the vice-principal’s office the first day of grade nine, I announced that I’d invited Jesus Christ into my life and promised not to cause anymore problems. He looked at me and said,”Whoa! I haven’t heard that one before!” I kept my word. I didn’t fall in love with school after that, but keeping busy with positive activities made for a much happier, more peaceful teenage life. Not that I wasn’t mischievous. I still love surprises and enjoy playing tricks on people. That’s just me. I don’t think God changes your whole basic character when you become a Christian. If it’s under His control He’ll use it for His honor.
After high school graduation you attended school for several more years.
First I attended a Bible institute, graduating in 1973. One of the things I appreciated most about that school was the small student population. If problems arose between students, there was nowhere to go–we had to deal with it. Great training in conflict resolution and nurturing relationships!
I worked that summer with a missionary organization in Spain, returning to work at the Bible institute for a year. Then I attended university for two years, spending the summer of 1977 with friends working for the Department of Transportation in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta. I fell in love with the bush in that part of Canada and decided to stay. I transferred to a university there, earning a BA in Sociology and English in 1978 and BEd/A.D. in 1979.
How were you able to use your degree?
By teaching on a Native Indian Reserve. I was a junior and senior high English teacher teaching fourth grade. Didn’t matter to me, though. I was thrilled finally to be teaching! In 1980 I got an English teaching position in another city, remaining there until the 1989 election.
Besides teaching, though, you provided a home for needy kids.
Seeing an ad asking for foster parents, I remember thinking, “I’m single. I’d love to be married and have children, but that’s not happening.” Comparing my singleness with my parents’ troubled marriage, I decided I’d rather be single and wishing I were married than married, wishing I were single. I was lonely, but my personality isn’t one to mope. So I phoned Social Services and offered my assistance, never thinking they’d take me. Guess what? They called. I spent the next four years fostering children.
How did you–the single, foster-parenting school teacher–become involved in politics?
On a dare. Literally. In the fall of 1988, [then-Prime Minister] Mulroney was getting ready to call an election. Over coffee with friends one evening, conversation turned to politics. I asked a friend what she thought of the Reform party. She said she’d been a member since its inception and thought it was the way to go. She dared me to enter, saying she thought I could do a good job. Although I’m a proud and passionate Canadian, I’d never really been interested in politics. But I was restless, ready for a change.
I had a feeling God was getting me ready for a bigger classroom. I knew there were serious problems in Ottawa and I could dedicate myself to effecting change. March 13, 1989, I made Canadian history by becoming the first Reformer elected.
Unique challenges–what do you face in your career?
I don’t fit into the mould of a radical feminist agenda. When the feminists say they speak for every woman in Canada, I say, “Wait a minute, girls! I’m not one of them!” I believe God has uniquely gifted both men and women, but we’re not exactly the same.
Who has made the greatest impact on your life and how?
- My mother. She’s always instilled self-confidence in me, encouraging me to commit to something 100%. She taught me not to take myself too seriously.
- Maxine Hancock. She’s shown me it’s possible to have one’s heart in rural, small-town Canada and yet be sent out from there into the bigger classroom. As an Alberta farmer’s wife and internationally known author, she lives a dual life. Her ability to balance it is a good example for me.
- Preston Manning [leader of the Reform Party]. He’s the most visionary leader Canada has ever seen. I appreciate his strong, quiet, servant Christian leadership.
- My dear husband, Lewis Larson. He has a strong, quiet confidence in God and in who God made him. He’s completely comfortable with his wife leading the public life. He’s the best!
The greatest gifts you’ve ever received?
- A wedding ring – a sign of commitment. To know we’re in this 100%. Period.
- My dad – we have him back! He’s been sober for 25 years, living in the North West Territories and working with natives with alcohol problems. He prays for one sober year for each one he had while drinking.
- Jesus – He is life and love. He really does make a difference.
Deborah Grey – woman of purpose. Witty, gracious, down-to-earth, lover of life and laughter, committed in Ottawa to those she represents. Committed to family. Committed to her country. Committed to her faith.
am greatly inspired by this story , am more motivated to live my life in God’s hands.