September 17, 2025
Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia Mourns the Passing of Founding Member Senator Donald H. Oliver, K.C.
Halifax, Nova Scotia – It is with deep sorrow that the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia announces the passing of The Honourable Donald H. Oliver, K.C., retired Senator, lawyer, educator, and one of the founding members of the Centre. Senator Oliver passed away peacefully this morning at 6am after a long and courageous battle with cardiac amyloidosis.
Born in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, in 1938, Senator Oliver devoted his life to public service, justice, and the advancement of Black Canadians. In 1990, he made history as the first Black man appointed to the Senate of Canada, where he served with distinction for 23 years until his retirement in 2013. Throughout his Senate career, he championed issues of diversity, equity, human rights, and economic empowerment.
Long before his appointment to the Senate, Senator Oliver played a critical role in community-building across Nova Scotia and beyond. He was a key figure in the creation of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia in 1983, a national institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of African Nova Scotian history and culture. His vision and leadership helped ensure that the stories, struggles, and triumphs of African Nova Scotians would have a permanent home and be shared with generations to come.
“Senator Donald Oliver was a true pioneer, not only in his groundbreaking service to Canada’s Senate, but also in his dedication to our community here in Nova Scotia,” said Russell Grosse, CEO of the Black Cultural Centre. “As a founder of the Centre, his contributions will forever be part of our foundation, and his legacy will inspire us to continue the vital work of preserving and sharing our history.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Senator Oliver was admired for his integrity, mentorship, and deep commitment to creating opportunities for others. His lifelong efforts to break down barriers and advance equality have left an indelible mark on Canadian society.
The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia extends condolences to the Oliver family, friends, and the countless people touched by his leadership and humanity. The memorial service will take place on Saturday, September 27th at 1 pm at New Horizons Baptist Church, Halifax (with overflow at St. George’s Round Church). Live stream, transportation and logistics details will be shared as they become available in a future update. The services will be entrusted to Cruikshank’s Funeral Home.
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Dear Colleagues,
It is a sad day to share the news that the first Black senator in Canada, Senator Donald H. Oliver, K.C. passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 86. RIP!
Appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in 1990, he served as a Progressive Conservative and then Conservative senator until 2013, when he reached the mandatory retirement age in the Upper House.
In 2012, he announced on the floor of the Senate, the founding of the Community of Federal Visible Minorities – CFVM. “The CFVM seeks to help create a barrier-free, inclusive, and representative federal public service where visible minorities can individually and collectively realize their professional aspirations, based on the principles of merit and in full respect of their rights,” he said.
Born in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, on November 16, 1938, Donald Oliver was a lawyer who graduated from Dalhousie University.
In 1983, he was one of the founders of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, located in Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia.
Calling Donald Oliver a courageous pioneer, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said in a statement that the deceased left a legacy of public service and remarkable leadership.
His most significant work has been his active commitment to dismantling the barriers of systemic anti-Black racism in institutions in Canada for more than 50 years, reads a biography of Donald Oliver on the Mulroney Institute website.
It also highlights his involvement in more than 25 community and charitable organizations in Nova Scotia, as president or chairman of the board of directors.
In 2019, Donald Oliver was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. He received the Order of Nova Scotia the following year.
Since 2023 at Dalhousie University, the Senator Don Oliver Scholarship has provided financial assistance to African Nova Scotian students.
Donald Oliver died of amyloidosis, a rare heart disease. In 2015, when he was diagnosed, doctors gave the former senator only a few months to live. An experimental treatment allowed him to beat that prognosis.
The funeral will be held on September 27 at the historic New Horizons Church (formerly Cornwallis Street Baptist Church) in Halifax.
Best regards,
Waheed Khan, President
The Community of Federal Visible Minorities (CFVM)
CFVM Facebook; Twitter: @cfvm_cfmv; GCconnex