Former federal minister Michael Wilson passed away on Sunday night at the age of 81.
Michael Wilson served under the banner of the Progressive Conservative Party, elected for the first time in the House of Commons in 1979.
He was Minister of State in Joe Clark's government before becoming Finance Minister a few years later under Brian Mulroney.
Mr. Wilson was later responsible for other government departments, including Canada's ambassador to the United States.
As Minister of Foreign Trade, Michael Wilson played a pivotal role in negotiating the first free trade agreement with the United States and Mexico in the early 1990s.
He had left active politics in 1993.
"Michael Wilson was dedicated to Canadians, including his roles as minister, ambassador and mental health advocate, and will leave a deep mark on our country," Prime Minister Trudeau wrote on Twitter on Sunday night. . "We lost a great Canadian. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. "
Opposition Leader Andrew Scheer said on Twitter: "We are grateful for his service to Canadians and his work for mental health."
Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who appointed Mr. Wilson to the position of Canadian Ambassador to the United States, said he had served Canada "with exceptional skill and dedication" and that he embodied "the best of the public service ".