For the past three years, the Advisory Council on the Status of Women has offered a $750 bursary to a woman or woman-identified person who came to Canada as a migrant worker and is pursuing some kind of education or training. Council members recognize that migrant workers are among the most vulnerable members of our community, as many basic human rights are not extended to them under our government policies.
A few years ago, we decided we wanted to name our migrant worker rights bursary in honour
of Maureen Larkin, who always extended a hand to newcomers, to people in need, and to anyone seeking justice. Maureen was a force. She was a community-builder and leader of change at both local and international levels, and often worked in communities beyond PEI. She was committed to the Latin American Mission Program (LAMP), Cooper Institute (a founding member since 1984), the Voluntary Resource Council, PEI Parkinson’s Association, Desbrisay Community Gardens, Breaking the Silence Maritime-Guatemalan Network, and the Gaia Singers.
Maureen lived with, and struggled valiantly against Parkinson’s disease for twenty-three years. Despite personal and societal obstacles, she always viewed her life and her work for social justice as a joy, never a burden. Her sense of curiosity and generosity of spirit allowed her to cultivate friendships with people from all walks of life, and to bring out the best in people. Maureen was compulsively extroverted and delightfully unpretentious, and could be found wherever there was music, singing, and dancing.
We approached Maureen a few years ago and told her of our wish to name the Migrant Worker Rights Bursary in her memory once she had died. She was very moved to be recognized as an advocate and activist for human rights with this bursary for migrant worker women in PEI. Maureen Larkin, presente!
– Maureen Larkin Memorial Migrant Worker Rights Bursary Application
– Saturday, March 22, 2025 – Celebration of Life for Maureen Larkin
