Craig Baird
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thread 1/9
It is Jewish Heritage Month and this is the story of Herb Gray, Canada's first Jewish federal cabinet minister who served in Parliament for four decades!

Herb Gray was born in Windsor on May 25, 1931. He attended Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Bar.
10:15 AM - May 10, 2024
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Craig Baird
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thread 2/9
On June 18, 1962, Gray was elected to the House of Commons as a Liberal.
He was re-elected through 12 more elections.

In his Parliamentary career, Gray served as a cabinet minister or committee chair for every Liberal Prime Minister from Lester B. Pearson to Jean Chretien.

From Feb.
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Craig Baird
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thread 3/9
6, 1990 to Dec. 21, 1990, he served as the Leader of the Official Opposition.
From 1993 to 1997, he was the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.
From 1997 to 2002, he was the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada.
10:15 AM - May 10, 2024
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Craig Baird
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thread 4/9
Gray was respected by Members of Parliament on both sides of the aisle for his longevity and commitment to his constituents. He was also respected for his sharp wit.
He was called the Rock of Gibraltar for his stability in the Liberal Party.
10:15 AM - May 10, 2024
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Craig Baird
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thread 5/9
In Parliament, he also had a skill at deflecting tough questions, earning him the nickname of The Gray Fog.

Gray was also known to enjoy listening to rock music while working in his office. The sound of Bruce Springsteen or The Grateful Dead coming from his office was not unusual.
10:15 AM - May 10, 2024
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Craig Baird
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thread 6/9
He said it was a way to get the creative juices going.

Gray worked 18 hour days for weeks on end sometimes, but in his off time he enjoyed reading crime novels, watching Royal Canadian Air Farce and visiting fast food restaurants like Dairy Queen where he often spoke with constituents.
10:15 AM - May 10, 2024
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Craig Baird
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thread 7/9
After he left politics in 2002, he received the Order of Canada, several honorary degrees and became the Chancellor of Carleton University.

On Jan.
10:15 AM - May 10, 2024
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Craig Baird
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thread 8/9
15, 2002, he received the title The Right Honourable, a rare honour for anyone who did not serve as Governor General, Chief Justice or Prime Minister.

Gray passed away on April 21, 2014.
10:15 AM - May 10, 2024
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Craig Baird
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thread 9/9
If you enjoy my Canadian history content, you can support my work with a donation at http://www.buymeacoffee.com/craigu
10:15 AM - May 10, 2024
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