Liberal cabinet minister known for his generosity
Longtime Toronto MP and former premier’s brother had ‘lots of room in his heart’
Jim Peterson, a former longtime Toronto MP and Liberal cabinet minister, died Friday at the age of 82.
Former Ontario premier David Peterson told the Star in an interview his brother Jim was “one of the kindest, most generous persons” he had ever known.
“It was never about Jim. He could always find the unhappiest person in the room and find a way to make him happy,” David Peterson said of his brother, who had served important cabinet roles such as secretary of state (International Financial Institutions) and minister of international trade.
Before he began his career as a politician, Jim Peterson worked as a lawyer and was known for helping famed Soviet ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov defect to the West in a high-profile 1974 case at the height of the Cold War.
Peterson was first elected to public office as a member of Parliament for Toronto’s Willowdale riding in 1980. He lost his seat in 1984, but won it back in 1988, holding it until his retirement 19 years later.
Rising through the ranks, he became the chair of the House of Commons Finance Committee in 1993, where he began the practice of public prebudget hearings and completed several major studies, including a review of Canada’s value added tax (GST).
In1997, Peterson was appointed as Secretary of State for International Financial Institutions by prime minister Jean Chretien. He went to the backbench in 2002, before being named the minister for international trade in prime minister Paul Martin’s cabinet in 2003.
At the time of his retirement, Peterson said an early highlight of his political career was his work on ground-shifting sexual-assault legislation when he was parliamentary secretary to then-justice minister Chrétien in 1983, according to an interview with The Canadian Press.
The bill changed the Criminal Code to make it easier to obtain an assault conviction. It allowed for charges against a victim’s partner, restricted the admissibility of sexual history in court, and ended the requirement that rape must be reported immediately.
As international trade minister, Peterson visited China five times, India twice and opened free-trade talks with South Korea.
Peterson retired from politics in 2007 and vacated his seat mid-session. “It’s time to move on,” he said at the time. “I’ve been a member of Parliament for some 23 years — wonderful years of my life — but I’m 65 and I want to undertake new challenges.”
Two of Jim’s brothers were also politicians. David Peterson served as the Liberal premier of Ontario from 1985 to 1990 and is currently the chair of Torstar, and his other brother, Tim, served as an Ontario MPP from 2003 to 2007.
As the oldest brother, “Jim was always the leader of the family,” David told the Star.
“He was on top of everything he ever did — valedictorian at school, hockey player, president of the student council, a debater. Jim was a successful guy,” David said.
Jim Peterson first met his wife, Heather, when he was 13 years old. They were married for more than 60 years and had what David described as “one of the happiest, most supportive marriages anyone has ever known.”
“They were totally devoted to each other,” he said. “They were always completing each other’s sentences and were so close.”
In a statement, Heather Peterson said her husband “will never be replaced in our hearts and he will live on forever in our memories. Jim’s big brain and big heart meant everything to us and to anyone who had the privilege to know or work alongside him.”
David remembered his brother as someone with “lots and lots of room in his heart” and who had kindness in his DNA, something that also framed his political philosophy.
“It was all about helping people, and he was always in a position to lend a hand because he because he had so much confidence and so much love to spare.”
Jim Blanchard, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Canada from 1993 to 1996 told the Star in an email, “Jim and Heather Peterson were a great team! They became close advisers to me as well as (my wife) Janet. They were always so helpful and supportive. Jim, Heather, and David and Shelley Peterson have treated us like family.
“Jim Peterson was brilliant in many areas and yet so humble,” added Blanchard, who worked closely with Peterson when he was in Ottawa and later when they were co-chairs of the Canada-U.S. Law Institute. “He made people feel good and want to do good. We had so much fun talking politics and world affairs. Everyone is thinking today about Heather and all the Peterson clan. They are one of Canada’s great families.”
Several Canadian politicians also offered their condolences on social media.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement saying, “Jim’s leadership and dedication left an indelible mark on Canada’s political landscape.
“As we reflect on Jim’s remarkable legacy, we draw inspiration from his example of selfless service to make a more inclusive and more prosperous Canada,” he wrote. “On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Jim’s family and friends. He will be dearly missed.”
Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan Jr. wrote on X, “You can tell a lot about a man by the company he keeps. Jim Peterson was a good man, indeed.”
Bob Rae, former NDP Ontario premier and former interim leader for the federal Liberal party, also offered his condolences.
“Very sorry to hear the news of the passing of Jim Peterson, friend, fellow parliamentarian, and a good man,” Rae wrote.
Bonnie Crombie, former Mississauga mayor and current leader of the Ontario Liberal party, said, “I’m sad to hear of the passing of the Hon. Jim Peterson, Willowdale’s longtime MP, a distinguished lawyer, parliamentarian and minister. My thoughts are with Heather and the entire Peterson family.”
Sheila Copps, former Liberal deputy prime minister, said, “What a loss! Jim Peterson was a gentleman in politics, a rare breed. He was always able to see the positive side of any issue and was a great bridge builder. Jim and Heather were a great team, a power political couple who loved their country, party and community.”
‘ ‘ As we reflect on Jim’s remarkable legacy, we draw inspiration from his example of selfless service to make a more inclusive and more prosperous Canada.
PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU