Alberta Conservative MP Jim Hillyer has died in Ottawa.
The 41-year-old father of four, who represented the riding of Medicine Hat–Cardston–Warner, complained Tuesday of feeling ill. He was found in his office Wednesday morning.
Mike Storeshaw, director of communications for the office of interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose, told RCI that Hillyer had been dealing with “personal health issues.”
He previously survived a battle with leukemia in 2003.
Ambrose said in a statement she was deeply saddened to learn of his death.
“Jim was a valued and hardworking member of the Conservative team, and a passionate advocate for those he represented,” the statement said.
“More than that, he was a dedicated husband and father, and a man of strong faith and conviction. I pray that his and his family’s faith will help them through this very difficult time.”
Hillyer was first elected in 2011 and was re-elected in 2015 with 69 per cent of the vote.
Hillyer is survived by his wife Livi and the couple’s four children: London, Taylor, Nation and Asia.
With files from CBC News and The Canadian Press
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