Nigel Wright, the former chief of staff to ex-prime minister Stephen Harper, passed away at the age of 62, as confirmed by his employer in a press release on Tuesday. The specific cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Known for his successful business ventures and past involvement in politics, Nigel Wright is being fondly remembered by friends and colleagues as a compassionate and dedicated individual committed to public service and furthering the Conservative agenda in Canada. Bobby Le Blanc, the president and CEO of Onex, a Canadian private equity firm, expressed deep sorrow over Wright’s passing, highlighting his professionalism and devotion to his work and colleagues.
Originally from Hamilton and raised in Burlington, Ontario, Wright’s early interest in Conservative politics led him to work for former leaders Brian Mulroney and Kim Campbell before transitioning to a legal career at Davies, Ward & Beck. Subsequently, he joined Onex, where he played a pivotal role in managing the company’s London office and facilitating acquisitions.
In 2010, Wright temporarily left Onex to join Harper’s office, where he oversaw numerous political staff members and contributed to the Conservative Party’s success in securing a majority government in the 2011 federal election. However, he became embroiled in the Senate expenses controversy when he provided $90,000 to Senator Mike Duffy to repay questionable housing expenses, a move that led to his resignation in 2014.
Despite the ethical scrutiny surrounding his involvement with Duffy, Wright was never charged with a crime. Following his tenure in the Prime Minister’s Office, he returned to Onex and continued his work with the Toronto-based firm, which oversees substantial assets including investments in companies like Cineplex and WestJet.
Wright’s unexpected passing has elicited heartfelt tributes from various public figures, including former Prime Minister Harper, who described him as an exceptional individual with unmatched intellect and work ethic. Similarly, former colleagues and acquaintances praised Wright for his charitable endeavors and unwavering commitment to public service, highlighting his humility and dedication to helping others.
As prominent Conservatives mourn the loss of Nigel Wright, his legacy of kindness, professionalism, and selflessness continues to resonate within the political and business communities.
