Close X
Friday, November 1, 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

Canada investing $4.9B in North American defence

Canada investing $4.9B in North American defence
Anand says the funding is the first of an estimated $40 billion that will be spent over the next 20 years to upgrade the joint U.S.-Canadian early warning system known as Norad and purchase other military assets to protect the continent.

Canada investing $4.9B in North American defence

Pedestrian seriously injured in hit and run collision, road closures in effect

Pedestrian seriously injured in hit and run collision, road closures in effect
The pedestrian was associated to a parked vehicle and was standing outside their vehicle at the time they were struck. The pedestrian was transported to hospital with serious injuries.

Pedestrian seriously injured in hit and run collision, road closures in effect

Vancouver pedestrian dies in hit and run

Vancouver pedestrian dies in hit and run
A statement from police says the victim and a friend were crossing West Fourth Avenue in the Kitsilano neighbourhood at about 11:30 p.m. Sunday. The man, whom police have not identified, was hit by a newer model grey sedan that they say appeared to be speeding.

Vancouver pedestrian dies in hit and run

B.C. stores keep some baby formula behind counter

B.C. stores keep some baby formula behind counter
The ministry says in a statement the guidelines to pharmacies will help preserve supply during the temporary Canada-wide shortage of hypoallergenic formulas.

B.C. stores keep some baby formula behind counter

B.C. in peak melt flood stage for weeks: expert

B.C. in peak melt flood stage for weeks: expert
Dave Campbell, head of the River Forecast Centre, says they believe the freshet runoff into rivers and lakes has reached its height, but is expected to continue melting for the next two weeks.    

B.C. in peak melt flood stage for weeks: expert

168 cases of monkeypox confirmed in Canada

168 cases of monkeypox confirmed in Canada
Dr. Theresa Tam told a news conference that many cases have been linked to sexual contact with other men, but the virus can spread to anyone who has had close physical contact with an infected person.

168 cases of monkeypox confirmed in Canada