Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement after learning about the death of former Prime Minister John Turner Saturday.

Trudeau called Turner a gifted politician, lawyer and athlete and said Turner was deeply committed to the law and democratic process, bringing much needed reforms to the Criminal Code of Canada. Trudeau offered his condolences to Turner’s family and friends saying his contributions to Canada will not be forgotten.

John Turner was the 17th Prime Minster of Canada who also served as Minster of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, Minister of Justice, Attorney General of Canada, Minister of Finance and Leader of the Opposition. He was also a honorary director of World Wildlife Fund Canada and the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for Canada in 2012.