Bill Graham, who had served as Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2003 when Canada decided not to participate in the US invasion of Iraq, has died.
Former liberal MP John English told the Canadian Press that Graham died on Sunday.
Graham was elected Liberal MP in the 1993 election then known as the Toronto Center His Rosedale, but made two unsuccessful runs.
In January 2002, months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks rocked the world, former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien appointed him Minister of Foreign Affairs.
At the time, Canada had to decide whether to join the US-led invasion of Iraq, and if it chose not to join, it had to navigate its ties with its closest allies. .
Graham later served as Minister of Defense and, following the Conservative Party's rise to power under Stephen Harper in 2006, as interim leader of the Liberal Party following the resignation of former Prime Minister Paul He Martin.
My friend and mentor was saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Graham. He was a giant in Canadian and international politics. He had a deep love for Canada. My condolences to his family.
— Omar Alghabra (@OmarAlghabra) Aug 8, 2022
Bill Graham was the first was the leader of the opposition party. Minister. A determined adversary, Bill was always a gentleman and always had the best interests of his country in mind.Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Stephen Harper (@stephenharper) Aug 8, 2022
Bill Graham brings dignity to politics and He enjoyed both. His wit was so sharp that even this Newfoundlander was impressed, but his kindness I will remember even more fondly. I served when I was there. he sleeps peacefully
— Seamus O'Regan Jr (@SeamusORegan) Aug 8, 2022
lost.
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Graham. Bill was a great Canadian who made an incredible contribution to national life. We will miss our conversations with him and our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) Aug 8, 2022
