Prime Minister Stephen Harper:
I was deeply saddened today to learn of the passing of James Travers.
Former editor-in-chief of the Ottawa Citizen and columnist for the Toronto Star, James was a leader in his craft. Whether in Ottawa, Zimbabwe, Cyprus, or throughout Africa and the Middle East, James exemplified the professionalism and integrity that are the foundations of good journalism. His passing is a significant loss to the Canadian journalism community.
On behalf of myself, Laureen and all Canadians I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Joan and his two sons, Patrick and Ben.
The thoughts and prayers of all Canadians are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff:
Jim Travers was one of Parliament Hill’s most distinguished must-read national affairs columnists. His succinct turn of phrase, sharp analytical skills and measured approach to his subjects were greatly admired by his followers and colleagues. On a personal level, he was always amiable and approachable, a consummate professional whose deep knowledge of politics was matched by his good nature and quick wit.
On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our parliamentary caucus, I offer my deepest condolences to Jim’s family, his wife Joan and sons Patrick and Ben, and his many friends and colleagues. He will be deeply missed in the hallowed halls of Parliament Hill.
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From the House of Commons today:
Mr. Pat Martin (Winnipeg Centre, NDP): Mr. Pat Martin (Winnipeg Centre, NDP): Mr. Speaker, members of the NDP caucus were shocked and profoundly saddened to learn today of the most untimely death of our friend and colleague on the Hill, Jim Travers.
Jim was a seasoned veteran journalist and a consummate professional who was an inspiration and a mentor to many. “The kind of journalist I aspire to be”, one press gallery member said today. He was an old-school guy who would never burn a source, never pull a punch and never hesitate to speak truth to power in the finest tradition of his honourable craft, and he did so with a sense of humour and a turn of phrase that was always pithy, unique, clever and memorable. The man could really write.
In all of his many roles in an illustrious career, Jim represented the very best of journalistic integrity. His colleagues at the Toronto Star have lost a dear friend and an inspirational leader.
Our deepest heartfelt condolences go to Jim's family. His many friends on Parliament Hill will miss him profoundly, and I am proud to have called myself one of them.
Hon. Bob Rae (Toronto Centre, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, I rise with sadness today to speak on the passing of a good friend, a fine Canadian and a great journalist, Jim Travers.Jim was a true gentleman whose rumpled presence concealed a sharp mind, a lovely sense of fun and a great pen. He had a distinguished 40 year career in journalism, both at home and around the world. He was editor in chief of Canada's largest newspaper, The Toronto Star, as well as a mainstay of the Ottawa Bureau.Jim was rightly honoured by his colleagues, winning the Charles Lynch Award in 2005 and the National Newspaper Award in 2010.We will all miss his keen mind and shrewd analysis, but even more, we will miss the warmth and kindness he showed to so many of us.He had a deep love of our country and a profound respect for the importance of our democratic institutions and traditions, and he would have been annoyed with me for not being able to get through this without crying.Jim's passing leaves so much behind. Great friend on all sides of politics and journalism, but also a hole in our hearts. We send our deepest condolences to his wife Joan and children, Ben and Paddy, and his wider family.