Jan 10, 2020
By Andy Johnson
The firebrand politician, who served in several federal cabinet portfolios and who played a dominant role in his beloved Newfoundland and Labrador for decades, has died at the age of 88.
John Crosbie had a remarkable career that took him from St. John’s city council to the inner sanctum of Parliament Hill, from fishing wharves to the negotiating rooms of international trade agreements all the while earning praise and criticism for his quick wit, saucy tongue and willingness to make controversial decisions.
In 1992 Crosbie shut down the northern cod fishery off Newfoundland and Labrador which put an estimated 30 thousand people out of work and triggered what was called the single largest industrial layoff in Canadian history.
He also oversaw Canada’s 1989 free-trade agreement with the United States and as federal finance minister once delivered a budget wearing a pair of muklucks.
From 2008 to 2013 he served as Lieutenant-Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.
John Crosbie was 88.
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