We are saddened to share the news of the passing of long-time member of Parliament and, thereafter, member of Fasken, Jim Peterson.
Jim passed away suddenly on May 10, 2024 at the age of 82.
Jim retried from politics in 2007, after which he joined Fasken. While at Fasken, Jim was involved in a number of significant initiatives, including as Ontario’s chief negotiator in the Quebec/Ontario trade, investment and labour mobility negotiations and as Ontario’s chief negotiator in the ongoing softwood lumber dispute between Canada and the United States.
Prior to entering politics, Jim grabbed the public’s attention when he helped ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov defect to the West in 1974, including as the driver of a pre-arranged getaway car.
Prior to the pandemic, Jim could be seen regularly around the Fasken offices. Always friendly, he never hesitated to stop one in the hall with a pleasant hello or a business opportunity to discuss.
Please join us in extending our heartfelt condolences to Jim’s his wife of over 60 years, Heather, and their entire family.