NEWS RELEASE

CANADIAN SECTION OF THE CANADA–U.S. INTER-PARLIAMENTARY GROUP (IPG)
SENDS CONDOLENCES ON THE DEATH OF GORD BROWN, M.P., VICE-CHAIR

“It is with profound sadness that members of the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group learned of the sudden and tragic passing of Gord Brown, a current IPG Vice-Chair and the immediately preceding Co-Chair of the Canadian Section,” said the Honourable Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P., Co-Chair of the IPG. “Certainly, for his family, friends and community, but also for his parliamentary colleagues, May 2^nd was a very difficult day. While much has been said in the House of Commons and elsewhere in the wake of Gord’s passing, I – on behalf of his Canadian Section colleagues – want to pay particular tribute to all Gord’s efforts, over the course of many years, to advance Canada–U.S. issues. He was tireless in creating and nurturing the relationships with our Congressional counterparts that enable the Canadian Section to achieve its goals, and in seeking to identify ways in which both of our countries could prosper.”

Senator Michael L. MacDonald, IPG Co-Chair, concluded: “I would add that the loss of Gord will be felt not only by Canadians, but also by the U.S. legislators who were proud to call him ‘friend.’ Gord was elected in 2004 and he became an IPG member the same year, demonstrating – in my view – the clear priority he placed on Canada–U.S. relations. Two years later, Gord was elected as an IPG Vice-Chair for the first time. He then became Co-Chair, leading the Canadian Section in the always respectful, open-minded and solution-oriented way that he had and that we cherished. And on a personal level, I am saddened by the loss of a good friend and trusted colleague who has been taken from us far too soon. It’s a terrible loss for his wife Claudine and his two sons, and for all of his parliamentary colleagues.”

The Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group aims to find points of convergence in respective national policies, to initiate dialogue on points of divergence, to encourage the exchange of information, and to promote better understanding among legislators on shared issues of concern. Additional information can be found at www.parl.gc.ca/iia/us.

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For furthur information:

Hon. Michael L. MacDonald, Senator, Co-Chair
Canada–U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-995-1866

Hon. Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P., Co-Chair
Canada–U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-992-2406

Ms. Miriam Burke, Association Secretary
Canada–U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-944-4238