Former premier Andrew Furey is expressing his condolences on the passing of former federal cabinet minister John McCallum.

McCallum passed away on Saturday at the age of 75.

An economist and former diplomat, McCallum served as Minister of Defence, Minister of Veteran’s Affairs and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship under a succession of prime ministers including Jean Chretien, Paul Martin and Justin Trudeau.

Furey calls him a “good friend and trusted advisor – especially on matters of the economy and immigration.”

He says McCallum dedicated his life to “building a stronger, more inclusive Canada.”