Ex-Clerk of Privy Council Dies

Prime minister’s remarks

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the death of former Clerk of the Privy Council Gordon Robertson.

“I was saddened to hear of the death of Gordon Robertson, former Clerk of the Privy Council.

“Mr. Robertson was one of the most influential public servants of his day, serving Canadians with professionalism and dedication. He began his career as a public servant in 1941 and continued to serve our country dutifully until his retirement in 1979.

“Throughout his long and distinguished career, Mr. Robertson held various positions in the government including within the Department of External Affairs and the Privy Council Office before becoming Deputy Minister of the Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources. He went on to become Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet from 1963 until 1975, and Secretary to the Cabinet for Federal-Provincial Relations from 1975 until his retirement.

“For his outstanding service to Canada, he was named Companion of the Order of Canada in 1976.

“Mr. Robertson will be remembered as a great Canadian and a devoted public servant. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends he leaves behind.”