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James Ross Hurley

A member rose during Statements by Members to honour James Ross Hurley, who recently died. He was the founding director of the parliamentary internship program, a non-partisan program for university graduates created in 1969, and he advised six prime ministers on constitutional matters. The member asked the House to recognize his life and legacy.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

1 statement

Dominique O'Rourke

Liberal
“I want to honour James Ross Hurley, who died recently. He ran the parliamentary internship program for university graduates and advised six prime ministers on the constitution.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, let us honour the life and legacy of James Ross Hurley, the founding director of the parliamentary internship programme. Created in 1969 by Wellington MP Alf Hales, the program flourished under James Hurley’s leadership as a unique, non-partisan opportunity for university graduates to experience parliamentary democracy. Since then, more than 550 young Canadians have participated in the program, including members of this Parliament, members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery, and alumni who have gone on to hold top positions in the public and private sectors and in non-profit organizations in Canada and around the world. James Hurley devoted his life to public service as a Privy Council Office constitutional adviser to six prime ministers, a beloved mentor and a professor of political science at the University of Ottawa. In March 2025, he left us. In a final act of generosity to the Hales and Hurley Parliamentary Foundation, he ensured that the program would continue in perpetuity. His family, including his sister Ann Gibson, is with us today. James Hurley’s legacy will continue to be an inspiration. His legacy to youth, democracy, bilingualism and Canada will inspire generations to come.

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