Public Life
Engel was a passionate activist for the national and international writer’s cause. She was the first chair of the Writer’s Union of Canada (1973–74) and helped instigate the Public Lending Right Commission.
From 1975-1977 she served on the City of Toronto Book Award (an award she won in 1981 for Lunatic Villas ) Committee and the Canadian Book and Periodical Development Council. She held a trusteeship on the Toronto Public Library Board from 1975-1978.
In 1982 she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Engel was Metro Toronto YWCA’s Woman of Distinction in Arts and Letters in 1984.
After her death the Writer's Development Trust of Canada instituted the $10 000 Marian Engel Award, which was presented annually to a woman writer in mid-career. The Engel and Findley Awards are no longer awarded separately, but were combined into the new Writers’ Trust Notable Author Award as of 2008.
Read more about this topic: Marian Engel
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