Foundation News
Sheldon M. Chumir
1940 - 1992
Rhodes Scholar, tax lawyer, university lecturer, businessman, athlete, Sheldon M. Chumir dedicated himself for years to community service and active leadership in public issues particularly civil liberties and human rights. His main efforts were in support of public education, protecting the interests of the powerless and acting as a watchdog against government abuses.
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Mr. Chumir completed his elementary and secondary education in Calgary. He attended the University of Alberta law school in Edmonton graduating in 1963 with the gold medal for the highest marks in his final year. From 1963 to 1965 Sheldon was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University earning a Bachelor of Letters degree in 1965.
He began his professional career as a tax counsel with the federal Department of Justice in Toronto before becoming a tax partner in 1971 in the Calgary law firm now known as Bennett Jones. He launched his own private practice emphasizing civil liberties in 1976 and served as lecturer on civil liberties and human rights at the University of Calgary Law School. He was also an oil and gas investor, and co-founder of the successful entertainment promotion firm Brimstone Productions.
In 1986 Mr. Chumir was elected to the Alberta Legislature as Liberal member for Calgary Buffalo and was re-elected 1989. He was an active member of the Assembly, speaking forcefully on legal affairs and human rights, energy and finance.
Sheldon was always concerned for the underdog. Deeply committed to civil liberties, he was also active on issues to do with public education, freedom of information and police accountability. Admired by political friend and foe alike, Sheldon Chumir was known for his integrity, his deep thoughtfulness and dedication to community, his friendship to many and his sense of humour.
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