July 26, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on learning of the death of the Honourable Flora MacDonald:
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Flora MacDonald.
“Canada has lost an important political figure of her generation. Flora MacDonald was the first woman to serve as Canada’s secretary of state for external affairs.
“Ms. MacDonald’s numerous achievements as secretary of state for external affairs include the key role she played in 1979 in Canada’s efforts to welcome over 50,000 Vietnamese refugees. That same year, she was also instrumental in approving the arrangement that helped six American diplomats flee Iran after the United States embassy in Tehran was seized by Iranian revolutionaries and other U.S. embassy staff were taken hostage.
“Flora MacDonald was a trailblazer in many ways for women’s rights and an example of the best ideals of public service through her roles as a member of Parliament and minister of the Crown and, later in life, her work with the United Nations and Future Generations Canada, a non-governmental organization that she founded.
“On a personal note, I had the privilege of serving as a member of Parliament at the same time as Flora MacDonald, after I was elected to the House of Commons in 1984.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I extend condolences to the family and friends of Flora MacDonald and to the people of Kingston, Ontario, whom she served long and well.”
Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
johanna.quinney@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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