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

Charges approved against alleged driver in fatal 2021 hit and run that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist

Charges approved against alleged driver in fatal 2021 hit and run that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist
On June 19, 2021, Burnaby RCMP frontline officers responded to a report of a hit and run collision involving a vehicle and motorcycle at Canada Way and Imperial Street. The motorcyclist who was hit did not survive his injuries. The driver of the vehicle involved in the collision left the scene.

Charges approved against alleged driver in fatal 2021 hit and run that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist

VPD arrest leads to charges against alleged stabbing suspect

VPD arrest leads to charges against alleged stabbing suspect
It is alleged the same man chased several people while holding a knife and a machete, punched another man, then went back to the pedestrian and stabbed him on the neck and back.    

VPD arrest leads to charges against alleged stabbing suspect

15 year old youth in custody after uttering threats and attempting to stab a police officer: Burnaby RCMP

15 year old youth in custody after uttering threats and attempting to stab a police officer: Burnaby RCMP
At approximately 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, a Burnaby RCMP officer was seated in his parked police vehicle when he was approached by a teen making offensive gestures directed towards the officer.  The suspect did this repeatedly, in a blatant attempt to engage with the officer.

15 year old youth in custody after uttering threats and attempting to stab a police officer: Burnaby RCMP

Canada celebrates Queen's Platinum Jubilee

Canada celebrates Queen's Platinum Jubilee
Pipers across Canada and the Commonwealth will play a tune composed for the occasion, while communities in every province are celebrating with events such as street parties, the unveiling of commemorative gardens and even Jubilee puppet shows.

Canada celebrates Queen's Platinum Jubilee

Ukrainian newcomers to soon get income support

Ukrainian newcomers to soon get income support
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has criticized the government for not acting on those promises sooner, as thousands of Ukrainians — some without a previously arranged place to stay or much money — have already arrived in the country.

Ukrainian newcomers to soon get income support

Home prices soften as Fraser Valley housing market cools amid lower sales and higher inventory

Home prices soften as Fraser Valley housing market cools amid lower sales and higher inventory
As property sales continue to fall in the Fraser Valley and active listings continue to grow, the region is edging towards more balanced levels not seen since the pre-pandemic period. 

Home prices soften as Fraser Valley housing market cools amid lower sales and higher inventory