OTTAWA - Former prime minister John Turner, dubbed "Canada's Kennedy'' when he first arrived in Ottawa in the 1960s, has died at the age of 91.
Marc Kealey, a former aide speaking on behalf of Turner's relatives as a family friend, says Turner died peacefully in his sleep at home on Friday night.
Turner governed for just 79 days in the summer of 1984 after a difficult, decades-long climb to the top job.
Leaders from all levels of government, across Canada - Mayor John Tory and Premier Doug Ford among them - are remembering Turner and extending their condolences to his family.
I had the privilege of knowing John Turner for most of my life. He had a distinguished career in law and politics. But more than anything else he was a proud and loyal Canadian who cared deeply about the democratic process.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) September 19, 2020
Sad to hear about the passing of former PM John Turner. My condolences to his family and friends for their loss. He was a dedicated public servant who devoted decades of his life to making Canada a better place.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) September 19, 2020
With files from Heather Seaman