A sample of what lawmakers past and present are saying about Peter Lougheed

EDMONTON – “Today Canada lost a truly great man … A master politician, gifted lawyer, professional-calibre athlete and philanthropist, the former premier was instrumental in laying the foundation for the robust economic success that his cherished province of Alberta enjoys today.” — Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

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“Beyond all his professional successes, Premier Lougheed was someone admired and respected on a personal level as well. He was a kind and compassionate man who never lost his ability to inspire and motivate those around him.” — Alberta Premier Alison Redford.

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“On a personal level we will remember Mr. Lougheed as a man of great personal integrity, who treated others with great compassion and who had an unwavering commitment of service to the people of Alberta.” — Alberta Opposition Leader Danielle Smith. Lougheed campaigned for Smith’s rival, Redford, in the last provincial election.

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“I, like every Albertan of my generation, am a Lougheed baby. I was born the year after he was first elected, and I have never known an Alberta or a Canada that did not benefit from his legacy.” — Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

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“I watched his performances and they were outstanding because he understood that, in Canada, we built this country by a policy of inclusivity. That you can be both a good Albertan and a good Canadian. That the choice doesn’t come down to being a good Canadian or a good Albertan.” — Roy Romanow, former premier of Saskatchewan on Lougheed during the debates around the constitution.

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“We were known to have differences of opinion on occasion, but I never questioned his integrity or his motivation.” — Bill Davis, former premier of Ontario, who sparred with Lougheed around the negotiating table.

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“Peter Lougheed was a man of vision, integrity, and heart.” — Liberal MP Justin Trudeau. His father, as prime minister, was one of Lougheed’s chief rivals.

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“I think he will go down as one of the most respected of Alberta’s premiers, whether you agreed with all of his policies or not.” — Former Reform Party leader Preston Manning. His father, Ernest, was the Social Credit premier of Alberta when Lougheed was first elected as a member of the provincial legislature.

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“Although he was known to many for his contributions to Alberta and to Canada, his first dedication was to his family. He was a deeply caring and loving husband, father and grandfather. We will miss him terribly.” — Lougheed family, in a statement.

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