QUEBEC CITY – Condolences are pouring in for a larger-than-life political figure in Quebec and Canadian politics: former cabinet minister and well-known political analyst Jean Lapierre.
Lapierre, his wife, and three siblings, as well as two pilots were killed in a plane crash Tuesday near the airport in Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
READ MORE: Former federal politician Jean Lapierre dies in plane crash in Îles-de-la-Madeleine
“He made work fun because he was always in a good mood. Even when he was mad, he was fun,” said former Prime Minister Paul Martin.
“He was an astute and insightful political analyst as I have ever met.”
“His understanding of Quebec and his understanding of Canada was such that he was able to explain Quebec to Canada and Canada to Quebec.”
People who knew Lapierre said he was a loyal confidante who was never competitive.
READ MORE: Former MP Jean Lapierre among 7 killed in Quebec plane crash
“When you were a friend of his, it was for life. He had a great judgement. Politicians of any party could confide in him,” said Agriculture Minister Pierre Paradis.
Investigators with the Transportation Safety Board are on the scene where the accident took place.
WATCH: Îles-de-la-Madeleine plane crash appears to be ‘approach and landing accident, says TSB
They’re trying to determine if poor weather played a role in the crash.
In fact, the weather forced Air Canada to cancel its flight to the island, which could explain why Lapierre chartered a private plane: he and his family were heading home to bury their father.
READ MORE: Jean Lapierre’s death a great loss for Canada, says Trudeau
People on all sides of the political spectrum are shaken by the news, with many describing him as an exemplary model of someone who devoted his life to public service.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his sudden death will leave a void.
Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard recounted how Lapierre’s commentary helped him to personally reflect.
“When we had meetings in the morning, we would ask, ‘Okay, what is Lapierre saying this morning? On what subject is he on?’ because this would colour the rest of the day,” he said.
Comments