[2] He was educated at the University of Winnipeg, and worked as a steelworker and as a small businessman prior to entering political life.
Dewar served as treasurer of the Selkirk local of the Manitoba Metis Federation, and was a founding director of the Maurepas Village Housing Cooperative.
He was also involved in the Selkirk Restitution and Reconciliation Committee, a program which assists young offenders.
[1] He received 3735 votes, against 3467 for Progressive Conservative Russ Farrell (incumbent Liberal Gwen Charles was third with 3009).
[3] Dewar supported Lorne Nystrom's bid to become leader of the federal New Democratic Party in 1995.