Toronto/CMEDIA: John McCallum, reportedly Former Liberal cabinet minister and Ontario MP has died, according to a statement from his family posted to social media Sunday.
“With heavy hearts, we share the passing of The Honourable John McCallum,” the statement reads. “He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 21, 2025. He was 75 years old.”
“I’m saddened to learn of the passing of my friend John McCallum,” said former prime minister Justin Trudeau in a social media statement Sunday afternoon. “He helped this country navigate some of its most challenging times.”
Elected the Liberal MP for Markham-Unionville in 2000, throughout his political career, McCallum served as a cabinet minister in several portfolios, including national defence, veterans affairs, revenue, and immigration, refugees and citizenship.
As former prime minister Justin Trudeau’s first immigration minister, McCallum helped resettle 50,000 Syrian refugees in Canada.
Serving as MP for the Markham, Ont., area from 2000 to 2015, McCallum also served in a variety of cabinet portfolios including immigration, defence and national revenue.
McCallum also served as Canada’s ambassador to China from 2017 to 2019.
Political leaders took to social media to express their condolences for McCallum.
Lauding McCallum on social media, Prime Minister Mark Carney describes him as “an inspiration, a mentor, and a friend.”
“I am heartbroken with the passing of my dear friend and mentor,” wrote Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand in a post to X Sunday afternoon.
“From the moment I decided to run for office in 2019, John was by my side — always with a smile, endless enthusiasm, and thoughtful advice … I will miss him greatly.”
Former Newfoundland and Labrador premier Andrew Furey described McCallum as “a good friend and someone I leaned on often for advice,” as well as “thoughtful, kind, and always generous with his time,” in an X post.
“My deepest condolences to his family,” Furey wrote.
McCallum served as chief economist for the Royal Bank of Canada and dean of arts at McGill University in Montreal prior to entering politics.
McCallum’s family has asked for privacy.
