VANCOUVER – New Democrat leader Adrian Dix issued the following statement on the passing of the Honourable Garde Gardom:

“Today, New Democrats and other British Columbians are mourning the loss of one B.C.’s most revered and important public figures, the Honourable Garde Gardom.

“Admired for his intelligence and integrity by people across the province and political spectrum, Gardom’s record of public service is long and impressive. First elected to the office in 1966, he went on to carry out several prominent roles over a span of four decades. And in every role – which included B.C.’s attorney general, minister of intergovernmental relations, government house leader – Gardom distinguished himself, drawing the admiration of legislators, his constituents, and the broader public.

“His accomplishments in elected office, and the respect he garnered when carrying out his responsibilities as an MLA and cabinet minister. made Gardom an ideal choice to represent British Columbia nationally and abroad. In 1987, he was selected to be B.C.’s Agent General to the UK and Europe. In 1995, he became our lieutenant governor.

“On behalf of our caucus, I extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Gardom’s immediate and extended family and friends.”