Michael Ignatieff's statement on Dr. Maurice Foster

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OFFICE OF THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

************************* Statement by Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on the passing of former Liberal MP Maurice Foster

OTTAWA - Michael Ignatieff made the following statement on the passing of former Liberal MP Dr. Maurice Foster:

“It was with great sadness that I learned that Maurice Foster passed away on Saturday, October 2, after a battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

"Dr. Foster will be remembered as someone whose humility shrouded a fierce dedication to public service and to the people he served.

“For 25 years, from 1968 to 1993, Dr. Foster proudly represented the people of the riding of Algoma - the same riding previously held by former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson.

"Whether as parliamentary secretary to the president of the Treasury Board for nine consecutive years, chair of three parliamentary committees, deputy whip, or as an adviser to former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, Dr. Foster is remembered as a gracious presence on Parliament Hill, someone whose door was always open, who was always welcoming and who was highly respected by colleagues of all political stripes.

“I was delighted to see and speak with Dr. Foster at Stornoway last spring, but it was clear at that time that he was putting up a brave fight against his illness.

"He was a man of humanity and compassion, and his loss is a big loss not just to the Liberal Party but to all of Canada.

“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and the entire Liberal caucus, I extend my condolences to Dr. Foster’s family and friends.

"He will not soon be forgotten.”

************************* Earlier SooToday.com coverage of this story

Dr. Maurice Foster: 1933-2010