Jean Lapierre’s death a great loss for Canada, says Trudeau

EDMONTON – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the death of former cabinet minister Jean Lapierre is a great loss for the political world, for Quebec and for all of Canada.

Trudeau said Lapierre was a skilled and dedicated politician who was known, respected and loved by everyone.

WATCH: Îles-de-la-Madeleine plane crash appears to be ‘approach and landing accident, says TSB

2:39 Îles-de-la-Madeleine plane crash appears to be ‘approach and landing accident’: TSB

Speaking while at an event in Edmonton, Trudeau recalled both the “frank personal conversations and “the tough interviews” he had with Lapierre.

READ MORE: Former federal politician Jean Lapierre dies in plane crash in Îles-de-la-Madeleine

Lapierre, who died in a plane crash on Tuesday, went on after politics to become a highly sought-after political commentator, mainly in Quebec.

Trudeau said Lapierre’s insights and perspective will be missed.

Lapierre, his wife, two brothers and a sister were killed when a plane carrying them to Îles-de-la-Madeleine for his father’s funeral crashed.

WATCH: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was ‘shaken’ by Jean Lapierre’s death.

0:44 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ‘shaken’ by Jean Lapierre’s death