Elaine McCoy (Photo by Chris Bolin)

By David Opinko

74 years of age

Province mourns death of Elaine McCoy, senator and Alberta lawmaker

Dec 29, 2020 | 2:33 PM

CALGARY, AB – Elaine McCoy passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 74.

Born in Brandon, Manitoba, she attended the University of Alberta and later entered politics in the province.

McCoy was the MLA for Calgary-West between 1986-1993 as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party and ran for party leader in 1992.

She was appointed to the Senate in 2005 and was set to serve until March 7, 2021.

Upon learning of her passing, Premier Jason Kenney issued the following statement:

“I am saddened to learn of the death of the Honourable Senator Elaine McCoy, who passed away in Ottawa this morning.

“Senator McCoy was devoted to public service. Following her studies at the University of Alberta, she became senior counsel to the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, before being elected to the Legislative Assembly as the Member for Calgary West, where she succeeded former Premier Peter Lougheed.

“She went on to serve in the Cabinet of Premier Don Getty as Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, Minister of Labour, and Minister responsible for Women’s Issues and Human Rights.

“Senator McCoy was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2005, where she became known as an energetic advocate of Alberta’s interests in the federation. I particularly appreciated working with her as she took a leadership role in fighting recent legislation that undermined Alberta’s resource industries. Elaine was a persuasive and unapologetic advocate of Alberta workers, and the province’s role as a responsible energy producer.

“In recent years, Senator McCoy faced significant health challenges, none of which stopped her from working hard to represent Albertans in the Parliament of Canada. For that, and for a lifetime of public service, I am deeply grateful.

“On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I extend sincere condolences to all of those mourning the passing of Senator McCoy.”

The cause of death has not been specified.