Canadian politicians are sharing condolences on Twitter on Monday after the death of former British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher.
The “Iron Lady,” who ruled for 11 years and remains the first and only female prime minister in Britain’s history, died of a stroke at age 87.
Many politicians – particularly female conservatives – called Thatcher an inspiration. In a statement released by the PMO, Prime Minister Stephen Harper called Thatcher a "giant among leaders" who provided invaluable counsel when he was first elected in 2006.
"While many in positions of power are defined by the times in which they govern, Margaret Thatcher had that rarest of abilities to herself personify and define the age in which she served," he said. "Indeed, with the success of her economic policies, she defined contemporary conservatism itself."
See reactions from Canadian politicians in the gallery below.
In his official statement, NDP leader Thomas Mulcair called Thatcher "one of the most influential British politicians and world leaders of the 20th century."
Outgoing interim Liberal leader Bob Rae said lauded Thatcher as one of the most "powerful voices of her time."
"Her sheer determination and tenacity were legendary, and even political opponents had to admire her ability to stick to the path she set out for her party and her country," he said.
It’s a safe bet that Foreign Affairs John Baird is also thinking of Thatcher today.
In 2009, Baird became the butt of jokes after sending a text — “Thatcher has died” — that quickly spread like wildfire. Baird was referring to his 16-year-old cat, which he may have named after the political legend.
The incident sparked a brief diplomatic panic when Dimitri Soudas, then a Stephen Harper aide, began to prepare an official statement before receiving confirmation from Buckingham Palace and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s office that she was alive.