Canada’s auditor general has died of cancer, according to a statement from his office.
Michael Ferguson, who had been undergoing treatment since November, passed away Saturday surrounded by family.
“Ferguson will be remembered by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him as a humble, compassionate and thoughtful man,” read the statement.
“He cared deeply about conducting audits that brought value to the public service, always for the greater good of Canadians.”
Ferguson was appointed to the role in November of 2011 by then-prime minister Stephen Harper.
Prior to that, he held a variety of roles in the New Brunswick government, including as the province’s auditor general from 2005 to 2010.
Tributes have been pouring in on social media from people of all political stripes.
Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh said Ferguson was a “force to be reckoned with” and helped to ensure government worked in the best interest of Canadians.
