Paul Martin, 89; Canadian Statesman
Paul Martin, a Canadian political figure for six decades who played a central role in weaving Canada’s social welfare net and represented his country at several gatherings of world leaders, has died of a heart attack at age 89.
Martin, who served in the cabinets of four prime ministers, died in a Windsor hospital Monday, said a spokesman for his son, Paul Martin Jr., a member of Parliament.
As health minister, the senior Martin--a Liberal--helped introduce social programs such as old-age pensions and national health care insurance.
As external affairs minister, he was influential in expanding the membership of the United Nations and beginning East-West disarmament talks.
The ultimate goal of Martin’s public life eluded him.
He wanted to be prime minister. He tried twice, but lost leadership races to Lester Pearson in 1958 and to Pierre Trudeau a decade later.
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