Close X
Monday, November 25, 2024
ADVT 
National

Canada's former foreign minister Bill Graham dies

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 08 Aug, 2022 02:53 PM
  • Canada's former foreign minister Bill Graham dies

OTTAWA - Bill Graham, who served as foreign affairs minister when Canada decided against joining the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, has died.

Former Liberal MP John English told The Canadian Press that Graham died Sunday, according to a member of his family who shared the news with him earlier today.

Graham was first elected as a Liberal member of Parliament for the riding then known as Toronto Centre-Rosedale in 1993, after two unsuccessful runs.

“He was (an) immensely smart, decent, classy man," said former Liberal MP John McKay.

"I describe Bill as a complete politician: A good constituency person, a good national person and a good international person. Not many people can say that.”

In January 2002, months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks shook the world, Graham was appointed to serve as foreign affairs minister by then-prime minister Jean Chrétien.

At that time, Canada had to decide whether to join the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and then navigate its relationship with its closest ally when it opted against doing so.

Graham was roundly praised for not only assisting in that decision, but his overall handling of the role at a turbulent time in international relations.

John Baird, who served as foreign affairs minister under former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper praised Graham while expressing grief over his passing.

Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra offered his condolances over Graham's demise.

After his time in foreign affairs, Graham was moved to minister of national defence.

Eugene Lang was his chief of staff at the time and said he was well-liked by most everyone, including MPs of different political stripes.

Lang said while Graham was only in the role of national defence minister for less than two years, he had many accomplishments, including the recommended appointment of Rick Hillier as chief of defence staff.

After the Liberals lost government to the Conservatives in 2006 and former prime minister Paul Martin resigned, Graham stepped into the role of the party's interim leader.

“The Liberal party owes him a huge debt of gratitude," said McKay, who recalled Graham being an obvious choice for many.

MORE National ARTICLES

Review of COVID shot for young kids to wrap soon

Review of COVID shot for young kids to wrap soon
Health Canada tweeted Tuesday that it expects to reach a decision by mid-July on whether to approve Moderna's shot for children between six months and five years old. Moderna has applied for its vaccine to be given in two doses, each a quarter of its adult dose, given about four weeks apart.

Review of COVID shot for young kids to wrap soon

Richmond RCMP seek public’s help locating 33 year-old missing woman – Danielle Mahal

Richmond RCMP seek public’s help locating 33 year-old missing woman – Danielle Mahal
Mahal has been known to disappear for a few hours at a time in the past.  However, concern is now growing, as it is unusual for her to be out of touch with family members for this long a time. 

Richmond RCMP seek public’s help locating 33 year-old missing woman – Danielle Mahal

Heat warning issued in Yukon, wildfires flare

Heat warning issued in Yukon, wildfires flare
The weather agency issued a heat warning today for much of the territory with temperatures expected to reach 28 C with nighttime lows of 13 C. The warning applies to Whitehorse, Old Crow, Dawson and other regions throughout the central, southern and western regions of the territory.

Heat warning issued in Yukon, wildfires flare

Vancouver home sales down 35% from last June

Vancouver home sales down 35% from last June
The board's chair Daniel John says the drop in sales came because buyers have more properties to choose from, but rising interest rates and 39-year high inflation are causing them to be cautious and thus, listings are staying available for longer.

Vancouver home sales down 35% from last June

Port of Vancouver truckers warn of job action

Port of Vancouver truckers warn of job action
The statement says the port will not discuss the phaseout of all trucks that are 20 years old or older, even though most commercially licensed trucks elsewhere in B.C. don't face similar measure

Port of Vancouver truckers warn of job action

B.C. police recovering after bank shootout

B.C. police recovering after bank shootout
Three Saanich officers and three from the Victoria Police Department, all members of the emergency response team, were injured in the gunfight with two heavily armed robbers outside a Bank of Montreal.    

B.C. police recovering after bank shootout