Baird, Irene (1901–1981)

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Baird, Irene (1901–1981)

Canadian novelist. Name variations: Irene Todd. Born Irene Todd, April 9, 1901, in Carlisle, Cumberland Co., England; died April 19, 1981, in Victoria; m. Robert Baird; children: Robert and Jane.

At 18, immigrated with family to Canada (1919); moved to Victoria (1937); worked for National Film Board, Canadian civil service, and as reporter for Vancouver Sun; served as information chief for Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development; works include John (1937), Waste Heritage (1939), considered a classic novel of the depression in Canada, He Who Rides the Sky (1941) and The Climate of Power (1971).