Former Alberta Premier Jim Prentice was one of four people killed in a plane crash in British Columbia.
Prentice, who had also been a cabinet minister in the Stephen Harper government, was killed when the small plane he was on crashed shortly after take-off from the Kelowna Airport. The flight was heading for Calgary when it went down on Thursday.
Prentice was elected to Parliament in 2004. He served as Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Minister of Industry, and Minister of Environment before leaving federal politics in 2010.
In September of 2014, he became Premier of Alberta when he was elected leader of the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party. However, after introducing new taxes and cutting services to deal with a growing deficit, he led the PCs to defeat in the May, 2015 election. He resigned as party leader and MLA for the riding of Calgary-Foothills.
Ontario PC leader Patrick Brown, who served with Prentice in the Harper government, released a statement Friday afternoon to express his condolences.
“On behalf of all Ontarians, I want to express my condolences on the passing of Jim Prentice. This is a devastating day for both Alberta and Canada," the statement says. “Jim was a proud Albertan and Canadian. He cared deeply about the public good and served our country passionately. His contributions to public life will not be forgotten. Most importantly, Jim was a beloved friend. He was a good man, an accomplished public servant, and a Monday night hockey warrior during our days in Ottawa. I was lucky to have had the opportunity to work alongside him as a member of parliament. I personally knew Jim as a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather."
Other former colleagues of Prentice took to social media when news of his death broke.
I will remember @JimPrentice as one of the most affable, respected public servants, whose humility emboldened his intellect. Rest in peace.
— Lisa Raitt (@lraitt) October 14, 2016
Very saddened to hear news of the tragic death of Jim Prentice. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. RIP.— Jody Wilson-Raybould (@Puglaas) October 14, 2016
I served in Parliament w/ Jim Prentice. He was a respected & honourable parliamentarian. Our thoughts & prayers are w/ the Prentice family.
— Bonnie Crombie (@BonnieCrombie) October 14, 2016
Jim Prentice:On the tough decisions,most often it was Jim's clear mind and big heart that paved the way ahead.A true patriot.Pray for family— (((Stockwell Day))) (@Stockwell_Day) October 14, 2016