Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the Death of the Honourable Erik Nielsen, P.C., D.F.C., Q.C., LL.B.

News Release

5 September 2008

Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the death of the Honourable Erik Nielsen, P.C., D.F.C., Q.C C., LL.B.:

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Erik Nielsen. A long-time Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament for Yukon, he was fondly known as "Yukon Erik."

Erik was a significant force in the world of Canadian politics – a fearless and formidable leader. To this day he remains the longest-serving MP in the Yukon, having won the Progressive Conservative nomination in 1957 and holding his seat until he resigned in 1987. He served as Minis ter of Public Works and National Defence, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada. He was also Opposition House Leader and Acting Leader of the Opposition for a time. In 1985, he headed a Task Force on Program Rev iew, which became known as the Nielsen Task Force and undertook a comprehensive review of all federal spending.

He worked with passion and commitment for his constituents every day throughout his 30 years in Canadian politics. Erik embodied the s pirit of Canada's Truth North Strong and Free and his heart was always in the Yukon where he lived a very different life than in Ottawa. He was a great politician, Yukoner and Canadian.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my most sincere condolences to his family and friends."

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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the Death of the Honourable Erik Nielsen, P.C., D.F.C., Q.C., LL.B.

News Release

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