UPDATE #2: Prentice served on Canadian Pacific Railway’s Board of Directors from June 2013 to May 2014. CEO E. Hunter Harrison says the company is deeply saddened by his loss.
“We are incredibly saddened to learn of the loss of Jim Prentice. He was a tireless public servant, leader and friend. It was a privilege to know Jim and our thoughts go out to his loved ones at this very difficult time.”
“There are no words to describe how we are feeling at this time,” adds Andrew F. Reardon, Chairman of the Board. “Jim served on CP’s board during a time of extraordinary change and his knowledge, passion and leadership were critical in setting the company on a path to success. He was valued at the board level and he will be greatly missed by everyone. On behalf of the board, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
UPDATE: Grande Prairie – Wapiti MLA Wayne Drysdale worked under Jim Prentice and considered him a close friend. He says he’ll remember him as compassionate and understanding.
“He dedicated a good part of his life for serving Alberta and Canada and the community and I know he was a strong family man and always a good friend and generous man to me.”
Drysdale says that in Prentice’s time as premier, he appreciated the faith he had in his cabinet.
“There’s no doubt he was on a different intellect level than a lot of people and left his mark in lots of places, including business.”
The condolences are pouring in from politicians from across the country after the death of former premier Jim Prentice. He and three others died in a plane crash near Kelowna, B.C. Thursday night.
Grande Prairie – Mackenzie MP Chris Warkentin worked with Prentice when he was a federal cabinet minister. He says he was a trusted leader who was always willing to help when Warkentin was elected in 2006.
“Jim was a longer-serving member of our caucus but he was also a colleague from the province of Alberta and so he really took me under his wing in some respects and gave me a lot of good advice during those early years.”
Prentice was elected to the House of Commons in 2004 and resigned in 2010. He re-entered politics in 2014 as he replaced Progressive Conservative leader Allison Redford, who had resigned earlier that year.
“As people reflect on Jim’s contribution, I think that one thing is clear: that Jim continued to make personal sacrifices to serve the public,” says Warkentin. “Jim didn’t enter politics for the money; he had a successful career before he entered politics, but believed that he had something to contribute.”
The County of Grande Prairie has lowered its flags to half-mast.
Flags lowered to half-mast at #countyofgp bldgs in honor of former Premier Jim Prentice.Our thoughts&prayers go out to all of the families.
— County Grande Prairie (@CountyofGP) October 14, 2016
B.C. Premier Christy Clark has issued a statement:
“Like many Canadians, I was shocked to hear the news about Jim Prentice. This is a terrible loss for our country. It’s a rare privilege to meet people of Jim’s character in any walk of life. He was a man of his word, would keep confidences, and his handshake was worth more than any written agreement.
“Simply by being himself, Jim Prentice elevated political discourse in this country with his dignity, kindness, and focus. Jim devoted his life to making Canada better – and he succeeded. Jim had a remarkable and distinguished career, but I think he took the most pride in being a husband, father, and grandfather. My thoughts are with Jim’s family.”
CIBC has also expressed its condolences. Prentice served as Vice-Chairman of the bank and a member of CIBC’s Senior Executive Team from 2011 until he was elected leader of the Alberta Conservative Party and appointed Premier of Alberta in 2014.
“This news comes as a terrible shock to all of us,” said Victor Dodig, President and CEO, CIBC. “Jim was a great friend, colleague and Canadian. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s wife, Karen, and their children and extended family.
“During his tenure with CIBC, Jim was instrumental in enhancing CIBC’s relationship with our clients across Canada and internationally. He left a lasting mark on our bank. He cared deeply for our country and had a tremendous ability to engage with people. His death is a tremendous loss for our country.”
Many others have shared their thoughts and stories on Twitter:
"He really took me under his wing." @chriswarkentin on the passing of @JimPrentice https://t.co/CdCbk8o4xy #gpab #ableg #abpoli pic.twitter.com/iZetrvXzEP
— 2day FM GP Newsroom (@2dayFMNewsGP) October 14, 2016
Devastated to hear of the passing of Jim Prentice, an inspiration to us all. https://t.co/OienvLXb9C
— Naheed Nenshi (@nenshi) October 14, 2016
I will remember @JimPrentice as one of the most affable, respected public servants, whose humility emboldened his intellect. Rest in peace.
— Lisa MacCormack Raitt (@lraitt) October 14, 2016
Ardent Albertan; patriotic Canadian; devoted public servant & loving father. My heart goes out to Jim Prentice’s family today. Such a loss.
— Kathleen Wynne (@Kathleen_Wynne) October 14, 2016
Devastated by the tragic loss of Jim Prentice. Friend, devoted husband & father, fiercely proud Canadian & Albertan. A great man. RIP. pic.twitter.com/YwOnkh7Ph0
— Jason Kenney 🇺🇦 (@jkenney) October 14, 2016
We met a few times when he was federal environment minister; he was thoughtful, engaged and collegial; a good man #sadnews #RIP #JimPrentice
— John Yap (@John_Yap) October 14, 2016
It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of our former Premier, Jim Prentice. Sincere condolences to his family. #NAIT #yeg
— Glenn Feltham (@GlennFeltham) October 14, 2016
My family's and my deepest condolences go out to Jim Prentice's wife, children and loved ones. Today, all Albertans are united in grief.
— Thomas A. Lukaszuk (@LukaszukAB) October 14, 2016
Shocked & saddened at the loss of @JimPrentice. Our deepest sympathies to his family,friends & all our AB neighbours pic.twitter.com/ZKE7HfTsCa
— Brad Wall (@BradWall306) October 14, 2016
Devastating news about Jim Prentice. He devoted his life to public service. My thoughts are with his family and colleagues #ableg
— Greg Clark 🇺🇦🇨🇦 (@GregClarkAB) October 14, 2016
Our hearts and prayers go out to the families & colleagues of Mr. Prentice. Thank you for your service to Albertans. #ableg #wrp #medhat
— Drew Barnes (@Drew__Barnes) October 14, 2016
A sad day for us who knew @JimPrentice and our sincere thoughts and prayers go out for the Prentice family. Rest in Peace Jim. https://t.co/fQ65zesX9a
— Bob Zimmer MP (@bobzimmermp) October 14, 2016
Catherine & I join all New Democrats in offering our most sincere condolences to family & friends of Jim Prentice at this difficult time.
— Tom Mulcair (@ThomasMulcair) October 14, 2016
My deepest condolences are with the family of Jim Prentice right now. We all mourn a man who believed in and served Alberta. #ableg
— Derek Fildebrandt (@Dfildebrandt) October 14, 2016
