Obituary, Death Jim Peterson, 82, Former Liberal Party Cabinet Minister, Dies of Heart Attack on His Farm
Jim Peterson, a former Liberal Party cabinet minister and a longtime Toronto member of parliament, passed away on May 10, 2024, at the age of 82. His death was confirmed by his brother, former Ontario premier David Peterson, in an interview with The Canadian Press.
According to David Peterson, his brother Jim suffered a heart attack while working on his farm on Friday, which led to his untimely demise.
David Peterson praised his brother for being creative, well-respected, and giving. He also acknowledged the strength of Jim’s wife, Heather, who is dealing with the loss of her husband of over 60 years. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also paid tribute to Peterson, expressing how much he will miss him and acknowledging his contributions to Canada’s economic prosperity.
Peterson served as the representative for Toronto’s Willowdale constituency for 23 years, from 1980 to 2007. He was a lawyer by profession and held the position of federal minister of foreign business in the administration of former prime minister Paul Martin.
Peterson was born on July 30, 1941, in Ottawa, Ontario. He had a DCL from McGill University, a Master of Laws from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Western Ontario.
Peterson was married to Heather (née Johnston) Peterson, who served as a regional liaison officer in the Prime Minister’s Office of Pierre Trudeau and as the national director of John Turner’s successful 1984 leadership campaign. The couple were married for over 60 years and first met when Jim Peterson was 13 years old.
Peterson was part of a dramatic event that made international headlines in 1974 when he helped Soviet ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov defect to the West.
After retiring from politics in 2007, Peterson joined the international law firm of Fasken Martineau DuMoulin as counsel. He was also appointed as Ontario’s chief negotiator in the Quebec/Ontario trade, investment, and labor mobility negotiations.
The news of Peterson’s passing has sent shockwaves through the political community, with many tributes pouring in from colleagues and friends. His legacy will be remembered as a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to make Canada a more inclusive and prosperous place.
Jim Peterson’s passing marks the end of an era in Canadian politics. His contributions to the country’s economic prosperity and his selfless service will be remembered for generations to come. As we reflect on his remarkable legacy, we draw inspiration from his example to make Canada a more inclusive and prosperous place.
