11 June 2009
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of former Senator Sheila Finestone, P.C., B.Sc.:
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Sheila Finestone. I am sure that all Parliamentarians share my respect and admiration of her distinguished service to the people of Canada. On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to extend my sincere sympathies to her loved ones.
“In particular, Sheila Finestone will long be remembered for her service to the people of Quebec. She was a woman of conviction, a bridge-builder between diverse communities, and brought great charisma and vitality to everything she did.
“Sheila Finestone was prominent in women's and Jewish community affairs, and brought this passion to the House of Commons where she was the Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women and chaired parliamentary committees on official languages and human rights. Her spirited leadership and many contributions to strengthening the rule of law and protecting human rights around the world will be missed.”
