Canadians still mourn the death of Former Prime Minister Turner

Prime Minister Turner was a modest man that served his country with honour

Canadians still mourn the death of Canada’s 17th Prime Minister Turner. The out pouring of support from Canadians and world leaders is just a testament to how much he was respected and loved.

Turner was Canada’s first Prime Minister born in the United Kingdom since Mackenzie Bowell in 1896. He was the fourth longest-lived Prime Minister, dying at the age of 91 on the 18th of September 2020.

Turner also holds the distinction of holding the office of Prime Minister for 79 days (the second-shortest tenure in Canadian history after Sir Charles Tupper), as he advised the Governor General to dissolve Parliament immediately after being sworn in, and went on to lose the 1984 election in a landslide.

Turner stayed on as Liberal leader and led the Opposition for the next six years, leading his party to a modest recovery in the 1988 election. He resigned as Liberal leader in 1990 and stepped down as an MP at the 1993 election.

“A gifted politician, lawyer, and athlete, Mr. Turner became Canada’s 17th Prime Minister after having served in numerous other capacities, including as Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Minister of Finance, and also served as the Leader of the Opposition. He was deeply committed to the law and democratic process, bringing about much needed reforms to the Criminal Code.

On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Turner’s family and friends. His contributions to Canada will not be forgotten.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

More great reading