Former Canadian Prime Minister John Turner has passed away at the age of 91 at his residence in Toronto on Friday (Sept. 18).
In a statement confirming his passing, the Department of Canadian Heritage on Saturday called Turner "an accomplished lawyer and politician recognized for his integrity and commitment to democracy."
Turner, who spent decades in federal politics as a cabinet minister and Liberal Party leader during some of the most turbulent moments, led Canada for 79 days in 1984 — the second-shortest time in office of any Prime Minister.
Born in 1929 in England, Turner moved to Canada as a young child and grew up mostly in Ottawa. He entered Canadian politics in 1962, winning a Montreal seat for the Liberal Party. During his political career, Turner held several prominent cabinet posts, including minister of justice and minister of finance under then Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau from 1968 to 1975.
As justice minister, he defended reforms to Canada’s Criminal Code that paved the way for LGBTQ rights and legal abortions. But in the finance ministry, he faced economic pressures due to the global oil crisis.
Turner surprisingly resigned his position in 1975 after arguments with Trudeau. After a hiatus from politics from 1975 to 1984, he returned and successfully contested the Liberal leadership. Turner resigned as Liberal leader in 1990 and retired from politics in 1993.
In his message mourning Turner’s death, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Saturday, "John Turner was one of a kind. An honorable gentleman and an upstanding Canadian, John cared deeply about democracy, equality, and those he served. His optimistic outlook, energetic approach, and tireless service inspired many – and our country is a better place for it."
Turner was one of 19 Canadian celebrities who issued an open letter in June calling for Meng Wanzhou's release.
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