(Ottawa) Former Conservative MP and cabinet minister Chuck Strahl has died at the age of 67.
Mr. Strahl was first elected in 1993 and represented the riding of Chilliwack—Fraser Canyon in British Columbia until his retirement in 2011.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called Strahl a “dear friend” in a social media post Wednesday.
“Chuck’s unwavering commitment to our movement and his deep love for Canada were at the heart of everything he did,” said Poilievre.
He was a man of principle, integrity and compassion, and a founding member of our Conservative Party.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada
First elected as a Reform Party MP, Strahl held several ministerial portfolios in former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government, including minister of agriculture, transport and what was then called “Indian Affairs and Northern Development.”
His son, Congressman Mark Strahl, said in a family statement posted on social media that Strahl died after a battle with mesothelioma, a type of cancer.
Those close to him said that despite his political success, Mr. Strahl never lost sight of the importance of family, friends and his Christian faith.
Born into a logging family, Mr. Strahl was married to his wife, Debby Bateman, for nearly 50 years, and the couple had four children and 13 grandchildren, the statement said.
“Dad was so proud of his wife, children, their spouses and grandchildren, and considered them his greatest joy and legacy,” the family said.
Former Conservative cabinet minister John Baird said in a social media post that Mr Strahl was “among the most honourable, decent people [et] respectable [qu’il n’ait] never met,” and that he would miss her “good nature” and “contagious humor.”