MP Gord Brown has died.
CBC News is reporting he died of a heart attack in his Parliament Hill office this morning around 10:00.
The announcement of Brown’s death was made by Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark in the Ontario Legislature.
The 57-year old Conservative MP is survived by his wife Claudine and two sons, Chance and Tristan.
Brown has served this riding as MP since 2004.
Almost immediately after hearing of his passing, fellow politicians expressed their grief on Twitter.
Conservative leader Andrew Scheer tweeted he is “heartbroken by the passing of our dear friend Gord Brown” calling the sudden loss “tragic”.
Veteran Conservative MP Tony Clement commented to reporters with tears in his eyes that being an MP “takes years off of your life.” Clement also tweeted that he and Gord Brown had been friends since 1981 and referred to Brown as a “constant inspiration”.
North Grenville Mayor David Gordon says he has known Brown for 26 years and is in mourning over the news.
North Grenville Councillor Frank Onasanya says Brown was one of the people who encouraged him to get into politics.
Merrickville-Wolford Mayor David Nash says he is shocked by the news. Brown took part in the Merrickville Heritage Classic this past Saturday and Nash walked with him along the route.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended condolences to the Brown family in a statement issued today. Trudeau says “Since 2004, Gord proudly served his constituents, drawing on his experience as a town councillor, a businessman, and an active community member and leader. He always showed a deep appreciation and understanding of what it took to bring people together, including our parliamentary community. He brought warmth and kindness to the House of Commons, and was a good friend to everyone, on all sides of the aisle. Gord, you will be greatly missed.”
This story is developing, please check back for more details.
