Close X
Saturday, November 2, 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

Trudeau to visit Norad, attend Summit of Americas

Trudeau to visit Norad, attend Summit of Americas
On his way to California, Trudeau and Defence Minister Anita Anand will also pay a visit to Colorado Springs, which is home to the jointly commanded continental defence system known as Norad.

Trudeau to visit Norad, attend Summit of Americas

Now 58 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Canada

Now 58 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Canada
Globally, there are 550 confirmed cases in 30 non-endemic countries where the virus has not usually been found. Tam warns that while we know a lot about how the monkeypox virus behaves in countries where it is endemic, we know little about how it may behave in populations that are both mostly unvaccinated against it and have no natural levels of immunity.

Now 58 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Canada

B.C. to receive money-laundering inquiry report

B.C. to receive money-laundering inquiry report
The Cullen Commission's website says its mandate includes making findings of fact on the extent, growth and methods of money laundering in B.C. and whether the acts or omissions of regulatory agencies and individuals "contributed to money laundering in the province or amount to corruption.''

B.C. to receive money-laundering inquiry report

Officer struck in the face multiple times and spat on: New Westminster Police

Officer struck in the face multiple times and spat on: New Westminster Police
While the officer attempted to detain the driver, the driver resisted causing the two to fall into an embankment. As the officer took the driver into custody he was struck in the face multiple times and was spat on.    

Officer struck in the face multiple times and spat on: New Westminster Police

Gun reform not meant to target farmers: minister

Gun reform not meant to target farmers: minister
Marco Mendicino met with community leaders in Regina on Thursday at the annual conference of big-city mayors. He said it is important that the federal government develop gun policies that reflect the varying experiences of Canadians.

Gun reform not meant to target farmers: minister

Canada's Joly concerned by actions of Chinese jets

Canada's Joly concerned by actions of Chinese jets
Canada deployed a CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft from April 26 to May 26 to Japan, as part of Operation NEON, a multinational effort to support the implementation of UN Security Council sanctions on North Korea. 

Canada's Joly concerned by actions of Chinese jets