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TORONTO – About half a century ago, Mikhail Baryshnikov rushed into a waiting car after a series of Toronto performances, crossing the Soviet Union in a move that made international headlines.
On Tuesday Baryshnikov, one of the most famous ballet dancers of the 1970s and ’80s, paid tribute to the man who helped organize his escape in 1974 – the late Canadian politician, Jim Peterson, who was a lawyer at the time.
“He gave me the greatest gift one human being could give another: freedom, with responsibility attached to it,” Baryshnikov, who expanded his career with choreography and acting after his defect, said at a memorial event celebrating Peterson’s life .
“Thank you, Jim Peterson. Thank you, Canada.”
Peterson, who died of a heart attack in May at age 82, had a “beautiful smile and gentle manners” and loved his wife, Heather, “with all his heart,” Baryshnikov said of his lifelong friend .
Politicians, former staff and family members shared memories of the longtime Toronto MP and former Liberal cabinet minister at a ceremony at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, remembering him as someone who believed in working with others and kindness precious above all else. .
Peterson represented the Toronto riding of Willowdale for his entire 23-year parliamentary career. He first served one term which began in 1980, then followed that with a six-term extension from 1988 until he retired from politics in 2007.
He also served as federal minister for international trade under former prime minister Paul Martin.
In a video played at Tuesday’s event, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Peterson will be remembered for many things, including his belief that Canada should be a leader on the world stage.
“I know he was a mentor, colleague and dear friend to almost anyone who crossed paths with him,” said the prime minister.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland described Peterson as an “extraordinary public servant” whose achievements included working on a change to the Criminal Code which created the offense of sexual assault.
When most people look back on their lives, they want to see that they were good to those around them, and that they helped make the country or the world a better place, said Freeland. Getting even one of those things halfway done is “very difficult,” he noted.
“Jim is one of those rare, special people who did both, and all of us who were touched by him are so lucky to have known him,” he said.
Peterson’s niece, Jessica Buckley, said her uncle loved nature and the arts, and could build almost anything with his hands.
He made everyone feel welcome and taught the younger generation of the family to live well, Buckley said.
“His genuine enthusiasm for everything in life was infectious,” she said.
This report was first published by The Canadian Press on October 8, 2024.
Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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