Ron Irwin

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Ronald A. Irwin, PC , CM , QC , LL.B (born October 29, 1936) is a Canadian diplomat and former politician.

Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Irwin earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario and a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. While at the University of Western Ontario he joined The Delta Upsilon Fraternity. From 1972 to 1974, he was mayor of Sault Ste. Marie. He has also served as a school trustee, alderman and director of the local Chamber of Commerce. From 1977 to 1980, he was a member of the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission.

Irwin was first elected to the Canadian House of Commons in the 1980 election as a Liberal. He served as parliamentary secretary to Jean Chrétien while the latter was Justice Minister. Irwin was defeated in the 1984 election but returned to Parliament in the 1993 election.

When the Liberals returned to power as a result of the 1993 election, Chrétien, now Prime Minister of Canada, appointed Irwin to the Cabinet as Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. He retired from parliament in 1997.

Irwin served as a personal advisor to Prime Minister Chrétien from 1997 to 1998. He was appointed Ambassador to Ireland in 1998, and served until 2001. In 2001, Irwin was appointed Canada’s Consul General to Boston.

In 1975, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada.

26th Ministry - Government of Jean Chrétien
Cabinet Post
Predecessor	Office	Successor
Pauline Browes	Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (1993–1997)	Jane Stewart

Preceded by: Cyril Symes	Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie 1980-1984	Succeeded by: James Kelleher
Preceded by: Steve Butland	Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie 1993-1997	Succeeded by: Carmen Provenzano