Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he hopes the death of President Hugo Chavez brings a brighter future for the Venezuelan people.

In a statement, Harper says he hopes Venezuela can now build a better future on the principles of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

He says Canada also looks forward to working with Chavez’s successor and other leaders in the region to build a more prosperous, secure and democratic Western Hemisphere.

Chavez died today at age 58 after fighting cancer for nearly two years.

Chavez led a leftist revival across Latin America that posed a direct challenge to U.S. influence in the region.

Harper  has in the past pointedly challenged the world view of the influential Venezuelan leader.