Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among the MPs who signed a book of condolence set up in the rotunda of Centre Block, just a few steps away from the House of Commons over which Belanger had presided as honorary Speaker just five months ago.

Many of his colleagues in the House of Commons have called him exceptional, a good friend, and most of all a “great parliamentarian.”

Mauril Belanger, a Liberal MP for over two decades, has died the age of 61.