David G. Newman, KC, has long been recognized for his impactful contributions to global causes, with much of his most notable work rooted in his association with Rotary District 5550 (D5550). His journey began in partnership with the late PDG Cam King, and through
collaborative efforts with Moe Levy and Gail Asper of the Asper Foundation and fellow peace builder Rotarians. Together seeds were planted that led to the establishment of Rotary D5550 World Peace Partners (WPP). This initiative, which formally received recognition from Rotary D5550, has been a defining feature of David’s enduring commitment to peace and human rights.
David co-founded WPP and served as its Co-Chair or Chair for several years while also holding the role of Honourary Legal Counsel for D5550. WPP’s leadership was instrumental in the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Gail Asper and the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) in 2006. These early efforts, beginning in 2003, fostered lasting relationships between D5550 and key institutions, resulting in several significant initiatives:
Throughout his career, David’s initiatives have demonstrated a deep understanding of Canada’s societal challenges and a profound compassion for the welfare of others. From his early days as a law
student at Dalhousie (Class of 1968), where he co-organized a historic national conference in honor of Canada’s 1967 centennial, David’s natural leadership has been a consistent force. As a lawyer, David built a reputation as an advocate, dispute resolver, and educator in areas including institutional abuse, labor law, Aboriginal rights, and environmental law. He has also earned a distinguished reputation as a “servant leader,” engaging with a broad spectrum of community organizations, from Chambers of Commerce to church, environmental, and fitness organizations. His tenure as a provincial Cabinet Minister, responsible for portfolios such as Northern and Native Affairs, Energy and Mines, and Manitoba Hydro, was marked by foresight and a collaborative approach that transcended partisanship.
David’s zeal for justice has been a driving force throughout his career. His advocacy for Canada’s Aboriginal communities, where he has stood fearlessly with individuals and groups fighting for democracy and human rights, exemplifies his commitment to those abandoned in the shadows. Deeply concerned with the systemic issues rooted in Canada’s Indian Act, David has tirelessly sought reforms to inspire hope for Indigenous peoples trapped in a flawed system.
David’s humility in giving credit to others speaks to his character. He admires the courage and heroism of the disadvantaged clients he has served, referring to them as “wounded and afraid, yet courageous in
their pursuit of justice, dignity, and respect.” His work is a testament to building partnerships based on trust and striving for a world where individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and love.
Within the Rotary movement, David’s contributions have been remarkable. His Rotary journey began in 1983 with the Rotary Club of Winnipeg, where he became a Paul Harris Fellow in 1992 and Club President in 1994-1995. He co-founded Rotary World Peace Partners in 2003 and co-chaired or Chaired the initiative until he retired. David was also instrumental in launching Peace Days in 2010. He served as District 5550 Honourary Legal Counsel since 2005 until he retired. He co-founded and co-chaired the Honouring Indigenous Peoples Committee and the Peace Builder Committees of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg until he retired. After retirement he he serves on these club and district HIP
and Peace committees as, what he describes, as a “helper”. David has been a Charter member and Board member of the national Board of Honouring Indigenous Peoples since July 1, 2016 with the exception of a period of 6 months of reflection and re-energizing away from all formal positions including Rotary membership in 2023.
David returned to Rotary and HIP in 2024 re-energized and re-committed to embody Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self,” inspiring others within the global human family to advance understanding, goodwill, peace, and compassionate action through his work and helper-ship. The period of reflection led to his choosing to co-create RoLE with Dr. Kawser Ahmed and CRRIC. Why? To leave an enduring means to cause and sustain the abolition of nuclear weapons and to inspire and facilitate a worldwide justice and security system founded on the principles of human rights and responsibilities, rules of law and Indigenous values. Indigenous values, means justifying ends, and the Rotary 4-way test with David’s expanded definition of “all” to guide himself and fellow humans as to what to consider when deciding what to think, say and do, are the core foundation of his remaining life on earth. For
optimal freedom and independence David is a 100% volunteer so he can think, speak and act without fear, favour or negative loyalty or negative obedience to any human or any organization. He has created 4 small endowment funds whereby the eligible income that is spendable in each, provides funds annually for charitable philanthropy while he lives and after he dies. The Walter C. Newman, K.C. Legal Research Fund at the University of Manitoba Foundation to fund legal research The Be the Change in Honour of Erich Ursula and Mary Schmidt Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation to advance understanding, goodwill and peace The David and Brenda Newman Endowment Fund at the Rotary Foundation to help fund the Rotary Peace Fellow program The David and Brenda Newman Endowment Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation to sustain giving capacity respecting David and Brenda’s legacy choices and commitments after they die.
Scholars and Practitioners of Peace
Professor, Department of Geography & Environment, Jahangir Nagar University, Bangladesh
