Peter C. Newman, a prominent Canadian journalist and writer and Jewish refugee from Nazi Europe, has died at the age of 94 due to medical complications.

Death of a journalistic reference in Canada

Peter C. Newman, died in the hospital of Belleville, Ontario, due to complications from a stroke suffered the previous year, which also caused Parkinson’s disease. This was confirmed by his wife Alvy Newman.

Throughout his career, Newman has played key roles in media outlets such as the Toronto Star and the magazine Maclean’s, where he distinguished himself in the Canadian political and commercial sphere. Alvy said about him: “He revolutionized journalism, business, politics and history. »

Also known for his distinctive sailor’s cap, Newman is the author of numerous books. HarperCollins, one of his publishers, noted his energetic critical voice on the Canadian scene.

Contributions to journalism and literature

Paul Wells, prominent columnist and former editor of Maclean’scredited Newman with transforming the magazine into a news outlet of global significance.

His works, particularly “The Canadian establishment” series, highlighted the importance and appeal of Canadian stories. These books tell the recent history of Canada through influential personalities.

In 2004, Newman shared his personal testimony in “Here Be Dragons: Telling Tales of People, Passion and Power,” where he recounted his journey from Vienna in 1929 to his arrival in Canada in 1940, fleeing Nazi persecution.

A legacy of resistance and voices

Of his experience as a refugee, Newman wrote: “There is nothing like being a refugee; They steal your context and you struggle, searching for a definition of yourself. His desire to be heard was one of the reasons he decided to become a writer.

His 1963 book, “Renegade in Power: The Diefenbaker Years,” about the former prime minister John Diefenbakermarked a before and after in Canadian political journalism, thanks to its revealing approach.

Recognized for his contributions, Newman was awarded the Order of Canada in 1978, promoted to the rank of Companion in 1990, hailed as “chronicler of our past and interpreter of our present.”

Recognitions and legacy

Throughout his life, Newman received numerous literary awards and seven honorary doctorates, as noted in his profile in HarperCollins.