Oscar Lathlin, Manitoba's aboriginal affairs minister, dead at 61

[auntAgonist]

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2008/11/02/7284146-cp.html

WINNIPEG - For a politician, Oscar Lathlin was unusually quiet.

The provincial aboriginal and northern affairs minister and longtime member of the Manitoba legislature, who died suddenly Sunday morning at the age of 61, cared little for glad-handing, speeches or scrums, preferring instead to work quietly to improve the lives of people in the north.

"Anything that had to do with First Nation education or northern education, Oscar was a champion of," Attorney General Dave Chomiak said Sunday.

"It was his belief that education and economic development were absolutely pivotal to the north, and that's something he never gave up on."

Federal Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl, in a written statement, called Lathlin "a true visionary" and a valued partner.

The cause of death was not immediately available. Lathlin had a history of respiratory trouble, although he never complained and was loathe to talk about himself.

"In cabinet, he didn't talk that often, but when he did talk, everyone listened," Chomiak said.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2008/11/02/7284146-cp.html