As both members of the public and dignitaries come to pay their last respects to former Lt-Gov. Lincoln Alexander as he lies in state at Queen's Park, the Prime Minister also stopped off before an event by Downsview Monday night.

Nothing but the sounds of cameras could be heard as Stephen Harper walked through the front doors to the grand staircase where the flag draped casket lay. Harper stood for a moment, before he walked up to the casket, touching it with one hand.

After a pause, he spoke to family members, including Lincoln Alexander's widow, children and grandchildren.

Harper then wrote a long message in the book of condolence. When he was done, he stared off into the distance, frowned slightly, got up, nodded towards the Alexander family and left.

Alexander's casket was at Queen's Park all day Sunday and Monday, before being transported to Hamilton for a public visitation there. His state funeral is planned for Friday in Hamilton.