Calgary MLA Manmeet Bhullar killed on QEII

Conservative MLA Manmeet Bhullar has been killed after stopping on the QEII to help a motorist whose car had flipped into the median.

The family confirming in a statement Monday night:

“The light in our lives went dark today. Manmeet Singh left us while he was doing what he loved more than anything – helping someone else. We know he would want us to be thankful for the countless blessings he was given by God. Just as his faith, wife, family, friends, and community gave him strength, it will give us strength now. We thank you for your support during this difficult time and ask for privacy.

“He demanded excellence of himself and those around him. We are all better because of him.”

The family of Manmeet Singh Bhullar

#nicetomanmeetyou “

A northbound vehicle had lost control and rolled into the median around 2:20 p.m.

RCMP have not identified Bhullar, but issued a release about the death of a 35-year-old man Monday afternoon on the QEII north of Red Deer near the Blindman River Hill.

“Two northbound vehicles then stopped on the left shoulder of the highway to render assistance.” RCMP Sgt. Jeremie Landry said. “A semi-truck that was also northbound and descending the hill appears to have lost control, striking the rear of the first vehicle that had stopped to assist.”

The semi continued into the median and struck the driver and sole occupant of the second vehicle, who was standing in the median.

RCMP say the man was seriously injured and taken to hospital but later died of his injuries.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi on social media says he is “utterly gutted to hear of the sudden passing of Bhullar. A public servant, a true warrior for fairness and justice, a big man with a giant heart, a friend.”

Ric McIver and the PC Caucus issued a statement saying, “Manmeet was much-loved as a husband and a dear friend, not just to his colleagues but also to anyone who came to know him.”

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing today of Manmeet Bhullar, the MLA for Calgary-Greenway.

Manmeet was much-loved as a husband to Namrita and a dear friend, not just to his colleagues but also to anyone who came to know him. He had a wry sense of humour and would react with passion not just to support his constituents but also those whom he loved and those who are mistreated.

He was well-known for his humanitarian work at home and abroad, most recently advocating tirelessly on behalf of Sikh and Hindu Afghan refugees. He had just returned from Brussels, where he was seeking safe spaces from European leaders for Afghan refugees. He was also passionate about youth, and inspired many young people to get involved in politics and volunteer their time. He was highly regarded by his constituents in Calgary-Greenway as well as the Sikh, Hindu, Vietnamese, Filipino, Nepalese and many other communities in Calgary, throughout Alberta and internationally.

Manmeet was first elected to the Alberta Legislature in March 2008 and served as the Minister of Infrastructure, Minister of Human Services and Minister of Service Alberta. Most recently, he served as a member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and as a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts as PC Caucus Critic for Treasury Board and Finance and Infrastructure. His passion and dedication will live on in our hearts and we will greatly miss him.

To Manmeet’s family: many of our colleagues are dear friends of Manmeet and his family, and it breaks our hearts to know we have lost such a great soul. Manmeet accomplished more in his brief time than most people accomplish in their lifetimes.”

Premier Notley called it a “terrible tragedy”:

“It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-Greenway, the Honourable Manmeet Bhullar. He was a loyal member of the Progressive Conservative caucus.

This is a terrible tragedy and our first thoughts are for Mr. Bhullar’s family and loved ones, as well as his constituents, his caucus colleagues, Members of the Legislature, and the people of Alberta. Mr. Bhullar worked tirelessly in service of this province.

First elected in 2008, he proudly served as Minister of Infrastructure, Minister of Human Services, and Minister of Service Alberta. All Albertans should be proud of his significant contributions to public life.

There will be opportunities to remember his life and work over the coming days and we will do so along with all Albertans. We have lost our colleague, Calgary-Greenway has lost a friend and effective voice in the legislature, and most of all, we have all lost a passionate advocate for Alberta.”

Wildrose leader Brian Jean also releasing a statement:

“Words cannot express the incredible sadness we all feel over the sudden and tragic loss of our dear colleague. The absence of our friend Manmeet will be felt across the great province that he loved.

To his friends, our hearts weep with you. For all his constituents, we express our sympathy and support. To the PC party, to his caucus, to all MLAs who have served with him, and for all staff who came into contact with Manmeet during his incredible time as a public servant, we mourn together.

On behalf of the Wildrose, our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Manmeet, and with his beautiful wife, his parents, and his entire family. We hope that comfort beyond understanding will surround them during this incredibly difficult time.”

There were also condolences from Former Premier Jim Prentice:

“We are heart broken by the loss of Manmeet Singh Bhullar. It is hard to express how significant this loss is to our province and to our country. I know of no person in public life who cared more deeply and passionately about serving others. Indeed that is how he died. He was a pillar of strength for everyone who knew him. He certainly was to me. His family, friends, and community are devastated. Beyond that we are all poorer by the loss of this one man’s  courage, compassion and sense of justice. Knowing Manmeet, he would now want us to carry on with his work. Karen and my thoughts and prayers are with Namrita and the Bhullar family.”

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