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

Woman, dog missing after walk along B.C. creek

Woman, dog missing after walk along B.C. creek
Kelowna R-C-M-P say 31-year-old Chelsea Cardno left her home at around 8 a.m., and was planning to walk through the Mission Greenway bordering Mission Creek. Cardno's white BMW was found parked near the greenway but there has been no sign of her or her German shepherd dog, JJ.    

Woman, dog missing after walk along B.C. creek

Surrey RCMP cash over $12K, drugs, and a loaded gun from residence, arrest 9

Surrey RCMP cash over $12K, drugs, and a loaded gun from residence, arrest 9
The Surrey RCMP Community Response Unit executed a search warrant on a residence located in the 13700-block Grosvenor Road. The residence was identified by officers who were conducting proactive enforcement in North Surrey area.

Surrey RCMP cash over $12K, drugs, and a loaded gun from residence, arrest 9

Indo-Pacific framework: 'More meat on the bones'

Indo-Pacific framework: 'More meat on the bones'
The latest is the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity, which Biden announced last week as he kicked off the Summit of the Americas, where leaders from 21 countries across the Western Hemisphere gathered, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Indo-Pacific framework: 'More meat on the bones'

Time for ArriveCan to depart: border mayors, MP

Time for ArriveCan to depart: border mayors, MP
Canadian and foreign visitors are still required to use the app or an online portal to submit their vaccination information to the Canada Border Services Agency ahead of time.

Time for ArriveCan to depart: border mayors, MP

RCMP investigating fake bomb tip: Ottawa police

RCMP investigating fake bomb tip: Ottawa police
Interim Ottawa police chief Steve Bell shared that information in a letter to the city's police services board Tuesday night. Bell says in light of that investigation, Ottawa police is limited in what it can share about the circumstances around Saturday's incident, but adds it will work to give as much information as possible to "ensure transparency."

RCMP investigating fake bomb tip: Ottawa police

B.C. to release money laundering report

B.C. to release money laundering report
Nearly 200 witnesses testified, including former premier Christy Clark, current and former cabinet ministers, government and gaming industry officials, law enforcement officers and academics.

B.C. to release money laundering report