(The Canadian Press/Justin Tang)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

1950-2019

CPC MP Deepak Obhrai passes away, Red Deer-Lacombe MP Blaine Calkins issues statement

Aug 3, 2019 | 1:15 PM

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.

Red Deer-Lacombe MP Blaine Calkins issued the following statement on Obhrai’s passing:

“Today Alberta Caucus mourns the loss of the Dean of the Conservative Party, the Honourable Deepak Obhrai. Deepak was always larger than life, just as quick with a joke as he was with sage wisdom, which he gained from over twenty years of tireless service to the people of Alberta.”

“Our hearts go out to his entire family, particularly his loving wife Neena, his children Priti, Kaajal, and Amman, and his grandchildren. Thank you for sharing him with us these many years.”

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“Deepak loved his country, his province, and our Conservative Party. He was always amongst the first to lend a helping hand, encouragement and support. We will miss his energy, courage and conviction. On behalf of all Conservative MPs in Alberta, I offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family, and the residents of Calgary Forest Lawn.”

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.

“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.”

Scheer also 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.