John McCallum, former Liberal minister and ambassador to China, dies at 75. He was known for his public service, wit, and role in refugee resettlement.
Veteran Politician Passes Away at 75
John McCallum, a prominent Liberal cabinet minister and former Canadian ambassador to China, died on Saturday at the age of 75, his family confirmed. A statement released by his loved ones described him as “a loving and kind family man with a witty sense of humour.” His death marks the end of a distinguished career in politics, economics, and diplomacy.
Parliamentary Tenure Spanned Nearly Two Decades
McCallum represented Markham-area ridings in Ontario from 2000 to 2017. He served under Liberal prime ministers Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin, holding key portfolios such as national defence and revenue. As defence minister, he oversaw a major budget expansion during Canada’s early involvement in Afghanistan and supported the decision to stay out of the 2003 Iraq War.
Frontline Role in Syrian Refugee Crisis
After the Liberals returned to power in 2015, McCallum was named immigration minister under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He played a central role in fulfilling the government’s campaign pledge to resettle over 25,000 Syrian refugees. “He made it happen despite real challenges in an unpredictable time,” Trudeau said in a tribute on Sunday.
Diplomatic Tenure Amidst Global Tensions
In 2017, McCallum was appointed ambassador to China during a period of warming bilateral ties. However, relations soured the following year after the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver at the request of the U.S. McCallum drew criticism after publicly commenting on the legal merits of Wanzhou’s case. He resigned in 2019 and stepped back from public life.
Legacy in Economics and Academia
Before entering politics, McCallum had a distinguished academic and economic career. He taught economics at McGill University and served as chief economist at the Royal Bank of Canada. His insights into fiscal policy and economic growth earned him respect across political lines.
Tributes from Across the Political Spectrum
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed sadness at McCallum’s passing, calling him “an inspiration, mentor and friend.” Former top civil servant Alex Himelfarb praised his decency and deep commitment to public service.
Family Remembers His Personal Side
McCallum is survived by his wife Nancy, sons Andrew, Jamie, and Duncan, and six grandchildren. While his public roles defined a notable career, his family remembers him most as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
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