Sen. Ian Shugart has died, senators were informed on Wednesday via a statement from the Senate Speaker’s office.
The 66-year-old senator was appointed to the Red Chamber in September 2022 to represent Ontario and served for 13 months before his death.
Shugart was a career public servant prior to becoming a senator, holding multiple deputy minister portfolios and the senior-most public service position, clerk of the Privy Council.
In February 2021, Shugart took time away from the Privy Council Office to receive treatment for cancer.
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He was also ill during his period as a senator and had been absent due to illness for slightly more than half of the Senate sittings since his appointment.
In a Senate defence committee meeting Wednesday afternoon, senators noted their condolences to the family and friends of their former colleague.
“I only spoke to him once or twice and I found him a remarkable man,” Sen. David Richards said to the committee.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to reporters ahead of question period Wednesday added his condolences.
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“I’m thinking of all his friends… and of course, his family through this,” he said.
Trudeau described Shugart as a “man of deep integrity, grace, and brilliance.”
Senators also took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share messages following the Senate Speaker’s statement. A copy of the statement was shared with Global News.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we have learned today of the passing of our dear friend & colleague the Honourable Ian Shugart,” Sen. Don Plett, leader of the opposition in the Senate, posted. “His journey in the #SenCA was cut short, but his lifelong public service speaks to his dedication to our country.”
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