Mel Lastman was an executive vice president of Conrad Black’s, and helped shape Black’s career before the former newspaper baron served as Canada’s prime minister. Lastman, who also served as Toronto mayor for almost 10 years, died Friday at the age of 76.
Reaction was swift and strong in both the public and private sectors in Canada. Here’s what people are saying in response:
Deeply saddened to hear about the death of former Mayor Mel Lastman. A passionate community builder and a strong leader. — Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) June 12, 2016
Mel Lastman’s work to help people has made our great city a better place. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. — Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) June 12, 2016
My deepest condolences to the family of Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/Xy84nrPS5b — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 12, 2016
Sad news about the passing of former Mayor Mel Lastman. My condolences to his family and friends. — David Suzuki (@DavidSuzuki) June 12, 2016
Friends and colleagues of the late Mayor Mel Lastman have lost a friend. He was a dynamic leader. — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 12, 2016
Condolences to the family and friends of Mel Lastman – A community builder gone too soon. — Canada (@CanadaPNG) June 12, 2016
What a terrible loss. A strong leader, who touched so many Canadians, notably through his work with homelessness. #mayoralprez #Lastman — Tyler Dawson (@tdawsonwrites) June 12, 2016
Statement on the passing of former Mayor of Toronto Mel Lastman. pic.twitter.com/ZAGCxBuHxc — D’Arcy Horgan (@DArcy_Horgan) June 12, 2016
Sad to hear of the passing of one of our region’s finest men, Mayor Mel Lastman. — Rick Gianni (@RickGianni) June 12, 2016
I just heard that former Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman has passed away. One of my heroes. We went through the same political entanglements in #cdnpoli — Niki Ashton (@nikiashton) June 12, 2016
The former mayor was never warm or media friendly. But, who cares? Thank you, Mel, for everything you did for Toronto and Canada. — Doug Ford (@fordnation) June 12, 2016
Former @Mayor_Toronto & current cabinet minister will be honouring Mel Lastman’s memory today. My heart goes out to his family and all of his friends. — Diane Finley (@DianeFinleyMP) June 12, 2016
RIP Mayor Lastman. What a wonderful time you spent in politics. Bonne chance! pic.twitter.com/fDSVxshS1q — Roméo Dallaire (@RomDallaire) June 12, 2016
Top of the hour: Former @Mayor_Toronto and current Police Chief, Bill Blair, is on the phone today. #lastman tributes coming. pic.twitter.com/OU4DfpvQ7F — Katherine O’Brien (@kodbarr) June 12, 2016