Premier Christy Clark has issued the following statement on the passing of Grace McCarthy:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Grace McCarthy.

“At a time when female leaders were hard to find in Canadian politics, Grace McCarthy was an agent of change. When she was first elected, women could not even apply for mortgages without a male guarantor – until she worked with the provincial and federal governments to fix it.

“From playing an instrumental role in bringing Expo 86 to Vancouver, to starting the first toll-free help line for children, to becoming Canada’s first female deputy premier, she left an indelible mark on our entire province.

“Equal parts intelligent, warm, and tough, she led by example, inspiring more than one generation of women in B.C. and Canada to stand up and pursue a career in politics. ‘Amazing Grace’ indeed.

“Because she touched so many people, we are working with her family on funeral arrangements, and will provide more details when they are available.

“My thoughts are with her family, friends, and colleagues who miss her, and all those she inspired.”

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