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"He invented the environment,” said former governor-general Adrienne Clarkson about her long-time friend, Maurice Strong. Ms. Clarkson and her husband, John Ralston Saul, hosted an intimate 85th birthday party for Mr. Strong, the former under-secretary general of the United Nations, at their home in Toronto's Annex on Tuesday night. Beyond the circles of notable Canadian politicians in attendance, piles of heart-filled letters from around the world flooded the house, including words from Ted Turner and David Suzuki. Mr. Strong’s friends, former premier Bob Rae, Stephen Lewis and former prime minister Paul Martin also toasted his many accomplishments. Mr. Martin got a laugh from the crowd as he told the story of how Mr. Strong fired him when he served as his executive assistant many moons ago, but they’ve remained good friends ever since. It was a warm and special evening among close, intimate friends for a true Canadian gem.

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Maurice Strong listens to speeches in his honour at his 85th birthday celebration at the home of Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul, April 29th, 2014.Jenna Marie Wakani for The Globe and Mail

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Bob RaeJenna Marie Wakani for The Globe and Mail

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Paul MartinJenna Marie Wakani for The Globe and Mail

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Louise Dennys and Michele LandsbergJenna Marie Wakani for The Globe and Mail

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Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston SaulJenna Marie Wakani for The Globe and Mail

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Kristin Mayo and Sondra SullivanJenna Marie Wakani for The Globe and Mail

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Elizabeth DowdeswellJenna Marie Wakani for The Globe and Mail

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Tasleem Thawar and Toby HeapsJenna Marie Wakani for The Globe and Mail

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Adrienne Clarkson and Maurice StrongJenna Marie Wakani for The Globe and Mail

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Maurice StrongJenna Marie Wakani for The Globe and Mail

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Paul MartinJenna Marie Wakani for The Globe and Mail

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Maurice StrongJenna Marie Wakani for The Globe and Mail

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Stephen LewisJenna Marie Wakani for The Globe and Mail

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Adrienne Clarkson, Maurice Strong, John Ralston Saul and Hanne StrongJenna Marie Wakani for The Globe and Mail

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Michele Landsberg, Stephen Lewis and Maurice StrongJenna Marie Wakani for The Globe and Mail

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