Greg Thompson, the MLA for Saint Croix, has passed away. (Photo: Stephen MacGillivray Photography & Video/Submitted)
Condolences and sympathies are pouring in across the province after the passing of longtime politician Greg Thompson.
Thompson, 72, was the Conservative MLA for Saint Croix and also served for many years as the Conservative MP for southwestern New Brunswick.
Fellow Conservative Rob Moore says Greg Thompson was a real champion for New Brunswick and New Brunswickers.
Moore says Thompson never forgot where he came from.
“He went to the highest halls of power really, as being a regional minister for New Brunswick and as well being a longtime minister in our government, but he never forgot the people that put him there,” he said in an interview.
Moore remembers Thompson’s sense of humour and how he had friends in every party.
“There’s people in the NDP and people in the Liberal party, as well as his colleagues in the Conservative party that would count him as a friend, and that’s something that was pretty unique about Greg: his ability to reach across the partisan divides to work for a common good,” he said.
Moore says Thompson’s federal defeat in 1993 really shaped him into who he was as an MP, a cabinet minister and an MLA.
New Brunswick Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers also offered up condolences. In a statement, Vickers remembered Thompson’s friendly disposition.
“Mr. Thompson would often stop by my chair in the House of Commons during my tenure as Sergeant-at-arms to discuss the news of the day from back home in New Brunswick and reminisce about my Uncle Benny Vickers, a former Police Chief in Blacks Harbour. I’m grateful for his friendship,” he said.
On behalf of Common Council and the City of Saint John I was to express our deepest condolences to the family of Greg Thompson. Greg served his community as an elected official for nearly 40 years and will be sorely missed by our region.
— Don Darling (@dondarlingSJ) September 11, 2019
St. Stephen Mayor Allan MacEachern describes Thompson as knowledgeable and respectful.
MacEachern says they were able to work together for a little while.
“It was a little tough because he had been sick a few times, but yes I worked with him and still looked forward to working with him, and I’m sad that I didn’t get the chance to continue out the term with him,” he said.
MacEachern says everyone in the town knew him, adding he was a bit surprised at his return to politics in the 2018 provincial election.
“He stepped up again, and it just shows that it’s in his blood. He wanted to continue making a difference,” he said.
MacEachern says both flags in the town have been lowered to half-mast in honour of Thompson’s passing.
With files from Tamara Steele and Danielle McCreadie.
