Flora MacDonald, former MP, dies at 89

OTTAWA – Canada’s political elite are paying tribute to former federal cabinet minister Flora MacDonald, who died yesterday at the age of 89.

Prime Minister Harper and former prime ministers Brian Mulroney, Joe Clark and Kim Campbell are all praising MacDonald’s contributions.

MacDonald held the foreign affairs portfolio in Clark’s shortlived government in 1979 and early 1980 and served as employment minister and later communications minister in Mulroney’s administration.

Mulroney says MacDonald’s “incredible determination” allowed her to succeed and she was disciplined, focused and hard-working.

Former Conservative Senator Hugh Segal says MacDonald was unafraid to take on the male-dominated world of politics.

MacDonald was in charge of foreign affairs during the Iranian hostage crisis and Canada’s decision to shelter six Americans who were sheltered by Canadian diplomats.

In a speech in 2012, Jimmy Carter, who was the American president during the crisis, paid tribute to MacDonald and Clark for having orchestrated what he called one of the most remarkable rescue operations in history.

After retiring from politics in 1988, MacDonald, who was born in Cape Breton, concentrated on humanitarian work.

She received the Order of Canada in 1992, where she was cited for her “distinguished leadership in federal politics” and her humanitarian work.

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