STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

September 30, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien issued this statement this evening on the news that the Honourable Ron Duhamel had passed away:

"I was very deeply saddened to learn that Ron Duhamel had passed away. He fought a very long and hard struggle with inspiring courage and optimism. I will miss him a lot.

Ron was one of the finest and most able individuals I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He came to Ottawa as an MP in 1988 after a brilliant career in the Manitoba public service. He immediately stood out for his keen intellect and prodigious energy. And I was always impressed by his strong attachment to his Franco-Manitoban roots. Above all, Ron was a fine person. He was blessed with a ready wit, abiding compassion and a truly winning way with people. The brightness of his personality and acuteness of his insights never faded.

Aline joins me in extending our most heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Carolyn and his three daughters, Kathie, Natalie and Karine. While the pain they are suffering tonight is great we hope they can take some small comfort from knowing that he is at rest."

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