Editor's note: Ms. Kilburn writes in relation to the BayToday story Former Conservative senator, longtime politico Hugh Segal dead at 72.
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To the editor:
We lost a quiet hero this week—and it will get little local coverage in most community newspapers.
I’m not a conservative of any stripe—but Mr. Hugh Segal’s contribution to Canada needs to be recognized. He was, as far as I know, one of the last true old PROGRESSIVE Conservatives.
I was aware of him first because a friend is a national journalist, and, although not PC herself, always spoke highly of his integrity, his devotion to the country, his kindness, his intelligence, his honour.
I became more aware of him because of his work on designing a sound pilot project on a Basic Income for Ontario (which the Ford government killed immediately upon taking office, without allowing the pilot to proceed). Mr. Segal was always a social advocate for Canadian citizens—all citizens. This was an issue he’d championed for years, and he knew what he was talking about, writing, about, and working for—he’d grown up poor. I highly recommend his book, “Bootstraps Need BOOTS.”
All the adjectives above that apply to him, and more, are terms that have fallen so very far out of common relevance. He was practical, pragmatic, and always a gentleman.
Condolences to his family and friends for their loss.
And a reminder to the rest of us that once we had quiet and polite heroes in Canadian politics. His death is also our loss.
Kathleen Kilburn
North Bay
