February 01, 2005
Ottawa, Ontario

“It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of the Hon. Stanley Ronald Basford P.C.

Ron Basford’s political career began in the early 1960s, when the desire for social change and progressive policies was beginning to be felt across the land. His liberalism was strongly in touch with this changing mood. Canadians wanted to see their government do more to protect them – as consumers in the marketplace, as residents of livable and affordable cities, or as individuals having the same rights and equality as every other member of society.

As a Minister of the Crown, Ron Basford played a key role in each of these areas.

He oversaw legislation to protect the Canadian consumer. He brought the federal government into partnership with municipalities to help revitalize inner cities and provide affordable housing. As Minister of Justice and Attorney General, he introduced the Canadian Human Rights Act, which prohibited discrimination of any kind in all aspects of Parliament’s jurisdiction and led the fight to end capital punishment in Canada.

He was a fine, hard-working and successful Canadian, a man who devoted to making our Canada a better place to live – for all Canadians. And we, as Canadians, have benefited from the fruit of his efforts.

On behalf of all Canadians, I pay tribute to Ron Basford and his accomplishments as an M.P. and a Minister of the Crown. I extend to his family our deepest condolences on his passing and our profound appreciation for what he gave to his country.”