photo courtesy Canadian press

By Josh Hall/RD NewsNOW

OBIT

CPC MP Deepak Obhrai passes away

Aug 4, 2019 | 10:55 AM

On Saturday, it was announced that longtime Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai had lost his battle with cancer.

Obhrai was the representative in the House of Commons for the riding of Calgary Forest Lawn. He had served as a member of parliament since 1997.

Obhrai was part of the CPC leadership race in 2017 eventually won by Andrew Scheer.

During a visit by several of the candidates to Red Deer in March of that year, Obhrai told rdnewsNOW, “Most importantly for me is to make sure we have the big blue tent of equality, of diversity, the cornerstone of our politics, inclusiveness.”

When asked about fellow candidate Kellie Leitch’s proposed values test, he stated that he opposed the idea.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

“First of all there’s no definition of Canadian values. Every Canadian has different values. I don’t know where she comes up with this thing. If you’re talking about security, we already have the toughest security clearances anyway after September 11. Are you doing this to ban certain people? It is absolutely costly and unworkable. I have no idea what the aim is. Immigrants have built this country.”

CPC leader Andrew Scheer issued a statement on Saturday:

“Deepak was the longest-serving Conservative Member of Parliament, having been elected first as a Reform MP for Calgary-East in the 1997 election and then serving in a range of roles – both in opposition and in government – as a Canadian Alliance and then Conservative MP. He was always a champion for his riding and fought hard for his constituents. His decades of hard work to advance the conservative movement and ultimately strengthen Canada will not be forgotten.”

“Deepak was a constant source of joy inside the Conservative caucus. He brightened every room he walked into and often injected warmth, kindness, and good humour into our deliberations. I know I speak on behalf of my Conservative colleagues when I say that he will be missed tremendously.

“Personally, I will always have fond memories of the time we spent together during the Conservative Party of Canada leadership race. In addition to the laughs and good memories we all shared on the campaign trail, his campaign was a testament to his strong beliefs in freedom, prosperity, and inclusiveness. He was the first Hindu ever elected to the House of Commons.

Deepak Obhrai was 69.