In Memoriam: The Honourable John McCallum

June 24, 2025 – The C.D. Howe Institute and its staff mourn the passing of the Honourable John McCallum, a long-time friend of the Institute and a distinguished Canadian economist, academic, and public servant.

A past member of the C.D. Howe Institute’s Board of Directors, John made lasting contributions to the Institute, notably his work as a contributor and series editor on the Institute’s The Canada Round – a series of publications featuring Canada’s leading economic minds on the economics of constitutional renewal and the potential breakup of confederation.

Among his contributions to the project was “Parting as Friends: The Economic Consequences for Quebec” with Chris Green, a publication examining the ramifications of Quebec’s separation from the rest of Canada.

“John was a talented academic economist who left his mark as an administrator in business, an elected representative, and a diplomat,” says William B.P. Robson, President and CEO of the C.D. Howe Institute.

Prior to entering politics, John served as Senior Vice-President and Chief Economist of the Royal Bank of Canada and had an accomplished academic career as a Professor of Economics with many of Canada’s leading education institutions. During his time as a cabinet minister, his portfolios included national defence, veterans affairs and immigration, refugees and citizenship.

“John was passionate about Canada, Canadian confederation and the wellbeing of Canadians,” says Robson. “We will miss him, and extend our sympathy to John’s family and his wide circle of friends and admirers.”