Nigel Wright, the former chief of staff to ex-prime minister Stephen Harper, passed away at the age of 62, as confirmed by his employer in a press release issued on Tuesday. The specific cause of his death has not been immediately disclosed.
Wright, known for his successful business ventures and past involvement in politics, is being fondly remembered by his friends and colleagues as a compassionate, humble, and philanthropic individual dedicated to serving the public and promoting Conservative ideals in Canada. Bobby Le Blanc, the president and CEO of Onex, a Canadian private equity firm where Wright worked, expressed deep sorrow over his colleague’s demise, highlighting Wright’s professionalism and commitment to the company’s values and its people.
Originally from Hamilton and raised in Burlington, Ontario, Wright’s early passion for Conservative politics led him to work for previous leaders Brian Mulroney and Kim Campbell before transitioning to a legal career at Davies, Ward & Beck. Subsequently, he joined Onex, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s operations, including leading its London office and facilitating acquisitions.
In 2010, Wright temporarily left Onex to join Harper’s office, where he oversaw numerous political staffers and contributed to the Conservative Party’s success in securing a majority government during the May 2011 federal election. However, Wright became entangled in the Senate expenses controversy in 2013 when he provided $90,000 to Senator Mike Duffy to address questionable housing and living expenses.
Following his resignation in 2014, Wright’s involvement in the Senate scandal led to ethical scrutiny, although he was never formally charged. Despite the challenges, Wright continued his professional endeavors at Onex, a Toronto-based firm managing substantial assets and investments in various companies.
Wright’s unexpected passing has elicited heartfelt condolences from Prime Minister Mark Carney and numerous prominent Conservatives, including former PM Harper, former Alberta premier Jason Kenney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and others. They praised Wright’s dedication to public service, philanthropic efforts, and ethical conduct, highlighting his contributions to Canadian conservatism and his lasting impact on those who knew him.
