McDonald was a frequent candidate for public office, campaigning for the Communist Party and the federal, provincial and municipal levels.
She was a social worker in private life, and was the Central Women's organizer for the Communist Party in 1979.
[1] During the same year, she criticized the mainstream Canadian press for not publishing the details of a peace initiative launched by Union of Soviet Socialist Republics leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
[2] Please note: The 1982 municipal totals are taken from the Globe and Mail, newspaper, 9 November 1982 (90 out of 91 polls reporting).
Bold indicates parties with members elected to the House of Commons.