However, he was forced to resign on January 27, 1978, when it became known that he had forged the signature of his lover's husband on a form granting permission for her to have an abortion.
Fox returned to Cabinet after the 1980 election when Trudeau appointed him to the position of Secretary of State for Canada and Minister of Communications.
In 2003, Fox became a senior member of Paul Martin's transition team as he prepared to succeed Jean Chrétien as prime minister.
In 2004, Fox became Martin's principal secretary, but it was announced on August 18 that he would be leaving the position on October 1 to return to private life.
Fox was appointed to the Senate on Martin's recommendation on August 29, 2005, and announced his resignation on November 30, 2011, effective December 2.