March 24, 2004
Ottawa, Ontario

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

It is with great sadness that I learned today of the passing of Hamilton-East MPP Dominic Agostino.

With seemingly boundless energy he entered public life at a very young age, first as school trustee, then city councilor and finally re-elected three terms as an MPP in the Ontario legislature. Throughout his career, Dominic fought relentlessly and eloquently for the causes he championed.

To everyone who knew him, Dominic brought a zest for life and a passion for social justice.

Though it tragic that Dominic was stricken at such a young age, we should reflect that Dominic packed several lifetimes of activity into his forty-three years. Always energetic and seemingly ubiquitous, Dominic was respected by political allies and opponents alike. On his rare moments away from the limelight, his gregarious nature won him a great many friends and I am proud to have counted myself among them.

Sheila and I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to Dominic's family, his friends and to his colleagues in the Ontario Legislature.