Sheila Martin

Who is Sheila Martin?

Sheila Ann Martin née Cowan is the wife of Paul Martin, who served as the 21st Prime Minister of Canada from December 12, 2003 to February 6, 2006.

She and Paul were neighbours and her father was law partners with Paul Martin Sr in Windsor, Ontario. Married in 1965, she has been the wife of a politician and a stay-at-home mom.

She is a private person who played a low-key role in her husband's career.

A Canada Steamship Lines ship, Sheila Ann, is named in her honour.

They have three sons:

Paul William, born September 11, 1966

Jamie Robert, born June 21, 1969

David Patrick, born September 13, 1974

Before her husband became the Prime Minister of Canada, Sheila Martin's work in Ottawa included serving on a committee called Politics and the Pen, and on this committee she helped give prizes and money to Canadian writers. The job was said to fit with her "own literary tastes." In 2002, when Paul Martin left the cabinet, he credited her as a support to him and as an advisor:

Third, I want to thank the many friends who called or sent messages in recent days. I'm enriched by their friendship and their support.