Margaret Laurence (née Wemyss; July 18, 1926 – January 5, 1987) was a renowned Canadian novelist and short story writer, celebrated as one of the pivotal figures in Canadian literature. She played a crucial role as a founder of the Writers' Trust of Canada, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering Canada's literary community.

Laurence was born in the prairie town of Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada. Her mother, Verna, passed away when she was young. Subsequently, her Aunt Margaret became her guardian, eventually marrying her father and having a son with him. The family was raised in their maternal grandfather's home after her father's death.

Margaret showed an early interest in writing, crafting stories even during her elementary school years. Her professional writing journey began in 1943 when she worked at the town newspaper. In 1944, she pursued an Honours English program at Winnipeg's United College (now the University of Winnipeg). Upon graduating in 1947, she became a reporter for The Winnipeg Citizen. That same year, she married Jack Laurence.