Trudeau and other Canadians offer condolences to Bush family

Canadian politicians past and present are offering their condolences following the death of George H. W. Bush, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saying the former U.S. president’s commitment to his country was clear.

“His exemplary spirit of service and commitment to country would mark each of his roles — including in Congress, as ambassador to the United Nations, as head of the Central Intelligence Agency and in the White House,” Trudeau said of the former president in a written statement.

“President Bush was a dedicated and thoughtful leader who stuck by his convictions and values,” Trudeau said. “He did much to strengthen relations between our two countries, championing the North American Free Trade Agreement and initiatives like the fight against acid rain.”

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer issued a statement commending Bush as a “friend to Canada.”

“He was truly a gentleman of American politics and one of the world’s most principled defenders of freedom and democracy,” Scheer said.

Former prime minister Stephen Harper tweeted that Bush was “a conservative leader and deeply devoted family man” who leaves behind an incredible legacy.

“We Canadians will remember his friendship and generous spirit,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford tweeted. “May he rest in peace.”