Liberal Statement on the Death of Rita MacNeil

April 17, 2013

OTTAWA– Liberal MP for Cape Breton—Canso, Rodger Cuzner, made the following statement today on the death of Rita MacNeil:

“It is with sadness and pride that we pay tribute to Rita MacNeil, a gentle soul, a great person and a much-loved Canadian who passed away last night.

Her personal story is almost as well-known as her music. Rita overcame many challenges to achieve her dreams and many of her songs speak of having the courage to rise above life’s difficulties.

Rita rode the wings of her Cape Breton home on her journey to stardom and we will all continue to hold her up, through her music, even though she is gone.”

Liberal MP for Sydney—Victoria, Mark Eyking, continued:

“Rita achieved so much during her stellar career, selling millions of albums and receiving the Order of Canada, not to mention the numerous East Coast Music Awards, Country Music Awards, Junos and honourary degrees that were bestowed upon her.

On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, allow me to offer our heartfelt condolences to Rita’s children, Wade and Laura, her grandchildren and their entire family. She will be dearly missed.”