Father (In-law) of Confederation
Mary Louise Ashbourne was so interested in history and politics that she suggested attending a Liberal Party rally at Maple Leaf Gardens on her first date with her future husband.
It turned out that the two of them had much in common. Howard Ashbourne came from a very political family in Newfoundland. When Newfoundland joined Confederation in 1949 as Canada’s 10th province, Howard’s father Tom Ashbourne had played a role! Mary Louise is proud to have had what she likes to think of as a “Father of Confederation” as her father in-law! Mary Louise and Howard raised their family of seven children in Weston, where Howard practised law for 60 years. His office was located at 2077 Lawrence Ave. W.
Joey Smallwood, Mary Louise Ashbourne's Father in-law
Joey Smallwood signing the agreement between Canada & Newfoundland