Allan Rock

The Honourable Allan Rock, PC, BA , LL.B. (born August 30, 1947, in Ottawa, Ontario) is a Canadian politician and diplomat. He is currently Canada's ambassador to the United Nations.

Related Topics:
The Honourable - PC - BA - LL.B. - August 30 - 1947 - Ottawa, Ontario - Canadian - Politician - Diplomat - United Nations

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Rock studied for a B.A. and an LL.B. at the University of Ottawa and began his career as a trial lawyer.

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As a student leader in 1970 he met John Lennon and drove him around Ottawa while Rock was hosting him for a "peace conference" he was holding. He had invited Lennon to Ottawa after his famous "bed-in" in Montreal. He tried to introduce Lennon to Pierre Trudeau, but the prime minister was not at home when they dropped by.

Related Topics:
1970 - John Lennon - Montreal - Pierre Trudeau

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In 2002, Rock became the Minister of Industry for Canada following five years in the post of Minister of Health. Prior to this he was the Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

Related Topics:
2002 - Minister of Industry - Minister of Health - Minister of Justice

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In his role as Minister of Justice, Rock was heavily involved in bringing about the Canadian gun registry. This program was plagued by massive cost overruns, and is rumoured to be one of the reasons for the failure of Rock's abortive leadership bid.

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Rock initially declared he would run in the Liberal Party of Canada leadership race to replace the retiring Jean Chrétien, but he later dropped out. On December 12, 2003, he became Canada's ambassador to the United Nations.

Related Topics:
Liberal Party of Canada - Jean Chrétien - December 12 - 2003 - United Nations

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As Canada's ambassador to the UN, Rock spoke to the UN General Assembly on April 13, 2004, encouraging participation of the member nations of the United Nations on the matter of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.

Related Topics:
UN General Assembly - April 13 - 2004 - Kimberley Process Certification Scheme

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Certain conservative Catholic groups have called for Rock's ex-communication from the Roman Catholic Church due to his support for abortion on demand rights.

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