Close X
Friday, November 29, 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

112 cases of monkeypox now in Canada

112 cases of monkeypox now in Canada
Most of the cases are currently among men who said they had had sexual contact with other men, though the virus can spread to anyone who has had close physical contact with an infected person or "contaminated objects" such as blankets, she said.

112 cases of monkeypox now in Canada

B.C. Liberals consider name change at convention

B.C. Liberals consider name change at convention
About 800 delegates are registered to attend and launch a process that could result in a name change. Kevin Falcon, who won the leadership race earlier this year, promised to renew and rebuild the party in consultation with members.

B.C. Liberals consider name change at convention

Unemployment rate falls to new record low: StatCan

Unemployment rate falls to new record low: StatCan
The increase came as the unemployment rate fell to 5.1 per cent, the lowest rate since at least 1976 which is as far back as comparable data goes. The unemployment rate was 5.2 per cent in April.

Unemployment rate falls to new record low: StatCan

Canada to take 4,000 more migrants by 2028

Canada to take 4,000 more migrants by 2028
The agreement also includes an additional 50,000 agricultural workers this year from Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean. The federal government is also spending $26.9 million in 2022-23 on measures to address the root causes of irregular migration.    

Canada to take 4,000 more migrants by 2028

Full search ends for boater missing off Vancouver

Full search ends for boater missing off Vancouver
Vancouver police confirm a 46-year-old Surrey, B.C., man has not been seen since renting a motorboat from Granville Island on Wednesday. Police say he was planning to cross English Bay heading toward Bowen Island.    

Full search ends for boater missing off Vancouver

Port Moody Police concerned about a spike in break & enters

Port Moody Police concerned about a spike in break & enters
Many of the break-ins have occurred in parkade storage lockers, where thieves have made off with expensive items.  However, there have been several break & enters to residences, some of which have been occupied.

Port Moody Police concerned about a spike in break & enters