‘Today Canada lost a truly great man’

The Prime Minister’s statement on the death of former Alberta premier Peter Lougheed.

“On behalf of all Canadians, Laureen and I offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Peter Lougheed.

“Today Canada lost a truly great man. Peter Lougheed was quite simply one of the most remarkable Canadians of his generation.

“A master politician, gifted lawyer, professional-calibre athlete and philanthropist, the former premier was instrumental in laying the foundation for the robust economic success that his cherished province of Alberta enjoys today.

“He was a driving force behind the province’s economic diversification, of it having more control of its natural resources and their development, of Alberta playing a greater role in federation and of improving the province’s health, research and recreational facilities. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Canadian Encyclopedia.

“Mr. Lougheed did all of these things for his province while also working tirelessly towards a strong and united Canada.

“It is fitting that Mr. Lougheed’s dedication, integrity and ability to generate results for this country have been so widely recognized – from being appointed as a member of the Privy Council of Canada to being inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, from being appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada to being made an Honorary Chief of both the Cree First Nations and the Blood Tribe to name but a few. In June he was named Canada’s greatest premier of the past 40 years based on a survey by the Institute for Research and Public Policy – a title he richly deserves.

“Today we mourn the loss of an exceptional leader, a true Canadian and a trail blazing Albertan. And yet his legacy will live on in the institutions that he pioneered which continue to generate benefits for the people of Alberta and the people of Canada.”