He was a former university president, news paper editor, cabinet minister, member of the Order of Canada and the former Liberal MP for Don Valley West.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised John Godfrey for making meaningful and lasting contributions to public life, adding his dedication to serving Canadians will continue to be an inspiration.

Godfrey was born in Toronto, founded the School of Journalism at the University of King’s College in Halifax, was editor of the Financial Post and served as an MP from 1993 to 2008.

During his time in office he was a parliamentary secretary and minister of state for infrastructure and communities.

John Godfrey died on Wednesday of this week, one day shy of his 85th birthday.