"I was very saddened to learn Ernie Coombs, one of our greatest children's entertainers, has left us. He was a man of great magic and inventiveness. Canadians, both young and old, will sorely miss the man they knew as Mr. Dressup. His extraordinary life and career has elicited the love and admiration of Canadians everywhere. He will remain a Canadian icon, to be remembered for generations to come.

Aline joins me in offering our sincerest condolences to his family, his colleagues and his many friends. I hope that they can find some solace and comfort in the indelible legacy that he leaves behind."