"Johnny Lombardi was immensely likable and absolutely unforgettable. I will miss him a lot. He was blessed with extraordinary talent, infectious energy and truly awesome drive.

Above all, Johnny embodied and gave public voice to the rich cultural diversity that is so much a feature of everyday life in Toronto, and, indeed, throughout Canada. A son of immigrants in a nation of immigrants, he dedicated his life to enabling all of our cultural communities to express pride in their origins and their love of Canada. Along the way, he became a broadcasting trailblazer and an institution in Toronto; someone whose accomplishments earned him national praise and recognition, including the Order of Canada.

Aline joins me in expressing our sincerest condolences to the family and many friends of Johnny Lombardi."