'I honestly can't think of the world without Jim Prentice:' Sask. politicians react to former Alta. premier's death

Reaction is pouring in from across the province after the death of former Alberta premier Jim Prentice.

Prentice was one of four found dead after a plane crash near Kelowna B.C.

Federal MP Tom Lukiwski was good friends with Prentice, even going to the Masters golf tournament together in 2011.

“It’s absolutely shocking,” Lukiwski said.

Lukiwski described Prentice as incredibly bright and caring and said he was one of the strongest federal cabinet ministers they had while he was in Ottawa.

“Jim was so full of life and he had so much to give and so much to offer. I honestly can’t think of the world without Jim Prentice,” an emotional Lukiwski said.

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall took to social media to express his sadness over the news.

Shocked & saddened at the loss of @JimPrentice. Our deepest sympathies to his family,friends & all our AB neighbours pic.twitter.com/ZKE7HfTsCa

— Brad Wall (@PremierBradWall) October 14, 2016

“This is a deep loss for all of Canada,” Wall wrote in a Facebook post.

Former member of Parliament for Blackstrap, Lynne Yelich, became close friends with Prentice when they worked together in Ottawa.

She spoke about the ways in which she will remember Prentice.

“(He was) very diplomatic, a very deep thinker, smart, a consensus builder. Was always very interested in everyone else’s opinion,” she said.

Yelich remembers Prentice as someone who always rolled up his sleeves and worked hard during cabinet meetings.

“A very good negotiator on first nations issues and on environmental issues,” Yelich said.
 
But Yelich said he also made time for rest and relaxation.

“He loved very expensive Scotch,” Yelich said.

Conservative leadership nominee Andrew Scheer was in shock from the news.

“He was just a class act. I was always impressed by his intellect, his thoughtfulness and his work ethic,” Scheer said. “So sad for his family and for those that knew him closely. You couldn’t help but like Jim, no matter what side of the political fence you may be on, you could tell that he was in it for all the right reasons.”

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley addressed the media Friday afternoon.

“For Alberta, today is a day of sorrow in the face of a terrible tragedy. To all Albertans, I urge you to look at the faces of those we love and remember that every moment with them is a precious gift.”