Former Conservative MP Chuck Strahl has died at the age of 67 after suffering from mesothelioma, a form of cancer, his family confirmed on Wednesday.
“It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we share the news of the passing of our Dad, Chuck Strahl on August 13, 2024 in Chilliwack, BC after a courageous and exemplary battle with mesothelioma,” reads a post to X by Strahl’s family.
Former prime minister Stephen Harper expressed his sadness over the loss of his “valued friend and colleague” in a post to X where he called Strahl “an outstanding Minister of Agriculture, Transport, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.”
“None who served with Chuck will ever forget his warm and personable character, natural talent as a communicator, and striking baritone voice. Chuck was also a man of abiding faith. His positivity shone through even as he navigated the toughest of challenges,” said Harper.
Born in 1957 in New Westminster, British Columbia, Strahl represented the Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon riding in B.C. and was appointed to Cabinet in 2006 by Harper where he served as Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Minister of Transport.
He first ran for public office in 1993 and was elected as a federal Member of Parliament for six consecutive elections. Strahl served the community of Chilliwack and its surrounding area for 18 years.
He helped to negotiate the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement in 2007, which formed the nation’s jurisdiction in B.C.
Strahl left the House of Commons in 2011 to become chair of Canada’s security intelligence review committee, which oversaw the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, before stepping down in 2014.
Before entering politics, Strahl worked for his family’s logging business as well as a businessman in other ventures.
He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005 at the age of 48.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre shared his condolences with Strahl’s family, calling him a man of “principle, integrity and compassion” who had an “unwavering commitment” to the Conservative movement.
“Very sad to learn of the passing of a dear friend of mine and of our Conservative family, Chuck Strahl,” said Poilievre in a post to X.
“Chuck’s unwavering commitment to our movement and his deep love for Canada were part of everything he did. He was a man of principle, integrity, and compassion, and a foundational member of our Conservative Party. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, all his friends, and those who had the privilege of knowing him. We will miss him dearly.”
Strahl’s family called him their “biggest promoter and our rock” in their statement on his passing.
“Our loss is deep and profound. Our Dad was our best friend, our greatest defender, our biggest promoter and our rock,” reads his family’s post. “We will share more details on his celebration of life in the days ahead and thank you for all of the love and sympathy that has already been shared.”