Marie Burge dedicated her life to advocating for the people of Prince Edward Island, championing various causes such as workers’ rights and land protection to create a more just society on the island. She passed away at the age of 88 while under palliative care in Charlottetown.
In 1984, Burge played a key role in establishing the Cooper Institute, a non-profit organization focused on research, education, and community development. Joe Byrne, a close friend and colleague of Burge at the institute, highlighted her ability to inspire others to think differently and take on new challenges.
Before her involvement with the Cooper Institute, Burge was deeply engaged in community work. She served with the Sisters of St. Martha, teaching at Kinkora High School, and later spent five years in the Dominican Republic with Sister Teresa Currie as part of the Latin American Mission Program. During their time in the Dominican Republic, Burge and Currie saved a young man from execution by hiding him in their home, an act that shaped Burge’s commitment to supporting marginalized groups.
Described as fearless by Byrne, Burge was known for her relentless pursuit of a basic income guarantee for P.E.I., believing in the concept of inclusivity and fairness in economic systems. Over the years, she received numerous awards recognizing her contributions, including the Order of P.E.I. and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Burge was a founding member of the Coalition for the Protection of P.E.I. Lands, advocating for land and water rights, and played a supportive role in the National Farmers Union. She also contributed to the P.E.I. Working Group for a Livable Income.
Apart from her activism, Burge’s friends remember her as a joyful individual, always laughing and maintaining humility despite her significant impact on the province. The P.E.I. New Democratic Party paid tribute to her on social media, acknowledging her unwavering dedication to the community and her belief in positive change for the world.
