Former Alberta premier Jim Prentice was among the four people killed in a small-plane crash in British Columbia on Thursday night.

Prentice, 60, was aboard a twin-engine Cessna Citation that disappeared from radar shortly after takeoff from Kelowna, en route to the Springbank Airport, just outside Calgary.

Bill Yearwood with the Transportation Safety Board confirmed Friday that the plane's wreckage was found in Lake Country, B.C., just north of Kelowna, and described the crash as "unsurvivable."

"The aircraft is destroyed; all persons on board lost their lives," Yearwood said.

Former Alberta premier Jim Prentice was among the four people killed in a small-plane crash in Kelowna 0:31

Also killed in the crash was Ken Gellatly, the father-in-law of Prentice's daughter Cassia.

The Prentice family issued a statement Friday, saying the loss of two family members at once is "unbelievably painful."

"Words cannot begin to express our profound shock and heartbreak," the statement reads.

The plane is owned by Calgary-based Norjet Inc. The company stated it will co-operate with the Transportation Safety Board's investigation.

"Norjet lost friends in the tragic crash near Kelowna and we are struggling to cope with that loss," according to the press release.

Prentice became Alberta premier in September 2014 when he won the leadership of Progressive Conservative Party.

In February 2015, Prentice discussed the challenges facing his province and the country at large in the wake of plunging oil prices in an extended interview with Peter Mansbridge.

Peter sits down with the Premier of Alberta, Jim Prentice to discuss the challenges facing his province and the country due to plunging oil prices. 22:26

In May 2015, the PCs were handed their first electoral defeat in nearly half a century, at the hands of the Alberta NDP, and Prentice resigned as both party leader and member of the legislature.

Before becoming premier, he served as vice-chair and senior executive vice-president with CIBC from 2010 to 2014.

Prentice also had a career in federal politics. He served as MP for Calgary Centre-North from 2004 to 2010, with stints as industry minister, environment minister and minister of Indian affairs and northern development in Stephen Harper's cabinet.

He really cared deeply about the people he served, and he was always devoted to their best interests. - Joe Oliver, former Conservative finance minister

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley was among those offering their condolences Friday.

"There are no words adequate for moments like this, as my family knows very well," said Notley, whose own father died in a plane crash on Oct. 19, 1984.

"[Prentice] worked tirelessly for all of us, in the true spirit of one who is committed to public service. I benefited from his advice, and the government of Alberta is continuing to pursue many of his initiatives. All Albertans are the better for this," she said in a statement.

Former Alberta premier Alison Redford described Prentice as an "icon" — a thoughtful man who looked to the long term and successfully brought people together to deal with difficult issues.

As a young lawyer, Redford articled for Prentice. Both shared an interest in politics.

Some moments of note from Jim Prentice's career in Alberta provincial politics. 1:47

"The work that we were doing at the time was around the development of the Oldman River Dam in southern Alberta," she said. "I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with him in southern Alberta meeting ranchers and meeting First Nations leaders. That connection to land and environment was something that was always important to him, and something I think touched everything he did in his life."

Former Conservative finance minister Joe Oliver described Prentice as a passionate and skilled public servant who got into politics for all the right reasons.

"He really cared deeply about the people he served, and he was always devoted to their best interests," Oliver said.

"He was never pompous. He was always a straight shooter, someone whose integrity and good judgment you could always rely on."

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi expressed a similar sentiment.

"In politics, I get to work with people from all political stripes who are filled with a desire to do good no matter what. I also get to work with people who are thoughtful, respectful and driven by a need improve this community we all share," he said.

"Jim was all of these things, and so much more. He is an inspiration to all of us who aspire to public service."

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and former Alberta premier Jim Prentice embrace during a memorial service for Alberta member of the legislature Manmeet Bhullar, who was killed in a car crash in November 2015. On Friday, Nenshi reacted to the death of Prentice by saying: 'He is an inspiration to all of us who aspire to public service.' (Mike Ridewood/Canadian Press)

Nenshi recalled Prentice's connection with Alberta member of the legislature Manmeet Bhullar, who was killed in a car crash in November 2015.

"When the Sikh community was struggling to set itself up in Calgary and trying to build the first gurdwara in this city, they faced a lot of opposition from a community that didn't know much about their faith," Nenshi said.

"They were represented by an idealistic young lawyer who fought for respect, acceptance and diversity. That lawyer was named Jim Prentice."

'Strong voice for the people,' PM says

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described Prentice as a skilled politician and said he will "profoundly" miss him, despite their political differences in the past.

"Jim was a man who brought his deep convictions to everything he turned his hand to, whether it was law, business or politics," Trudeau said.

Trudeau on the death of Jim Prentice 1:30

"At each step of his career, Jim was a strong voice for the people of Alberta and for the people of Canada. He was highly respected and well-liked in the House of Commons across all party lines, because he brought an intelligent, honest and straightforward approach to everything he did."

Interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose praised Prentice for his devotion to the party and public service and said he had much to be proud of in his political career, although that was just one aspect of his life.

"He was most proud of being a good husband, a good father and a very proud new grandfather," she said.

Passion for politics

This June, Prentice became an energy adviser with Warburg Pincus, an international private equity firm, but politics was always a passion of his.

He started working for federal and provincial parties at age 20, mostly in backrooms, before stepping into the spotlight himself later in life.

Apart from one failed run for provincial office in 1986, he said he had an agreement with his wife, Karen, to wait until their three children were grown before venturing into the rigours of elected life.

But long before he would hold political office, Prentice was a boy who grew up "under the bins" of a coal mine.

Prentice, as a university student, worked seven summers underground in choking dust and heat amid deafening machinery.

Ontario roots

Prentice was born on July 20, 1956, in South Porcupine in northern Ontario.

Alberta's former minister of finance responds to news Prentice has died in plane crash 4:53

His dad, Eric Prentice, was a gold miner and former pro hockey player, a 17-year-old whiz-kid winger and the youngest player ever signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was a career minor leaguer, but had a minor stint in the big leagues — playing five games with Toronto in 1943.

As the gold mine dwindled, Eric Prentice picked up his family in 1969 and moved to a new coal mine in Grande Cache, Alta., when Jim was 13, and eventually to the mines farther south in the Crowsnest Pass.

Jim Prentice became a top-flight winger in his own right, but his promising junior hockey career ended with a devastating knee-on-knee hit.

From then on, he focused on university, graduating with a law degree before working in Alberta as an entrepreneur and a lawyer dealing mainly with land and property rights.

Conservative reunification

After his failed 1986 bid for provincial office, Prentice wouldn't take a political run again until 2002, when he earned the PC nomination in Calgary Southwest, but later withdrew as a byelection candidate.

The federal conservative movement was in turmoil at the time, fractured between the PCs and the Canadian Alliance.

Prentice urged reunification and stepped aside so that Alliance leader Stephen Harper could run unopposed to represent the centre-right.

In 2004, at age 47, he won the Calgary riding for the newly merged Conservative Party.

In 2006, Harper won a minority government and Prentice was in cabinet. Over the following six-plus years, he was given high marks for his work in diverse portfolios — in the ministries of Indian and northern affairs, industry, and environment.

But the defining moment, he said, came before his cabinet days, when the Conservatives were still the Opposition in 2005.

Prentice decided to vote for a controversial Liberal bill endorsing same-sex marriage.</s>Former Alberta premier Jim Prentice was killed in a plane crash outside of Kelowna, B.C., late yesterday.

He was among four who died when the plane headed for Alberta crashed at Winfield in a heavily wooded area. The incident is still under investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.

Prentice was Progressive Conservative premier of Alberta in 2014-15 and resigned immediately after losing the election to NDP leader Rachel Notley, who achieved a majority win after 44 years of Conservative rule.

He was a federal cabinet minister in the Stephen Harper Conservative government from 2006-10, holding the portfolios of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Industry and Environment.

He resigned from federal politics and held a senior position with CIBC before winning the Alberta Progressive Conservative party leadership in 2014.

Born in 1956 in Ontario, he moved to Alberta when he was 13. He earned a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Alberta and a law degree from Dalhousie University.

He specialized in property rights law and Aboriginal land claims before entering federal politics in 2002.

He is survived by his wife, Karen, and three daughters.

Tributes to Prentice included statements from Brad Wall, Saskatchewan premier, who said:

“I enjoyed working with Jim Prentice when he was a key federal cabinet minister and then as premier of our closest friend and neighbour, Alberta. Tami and I express our deepest condolences to Jim’s family and friends and to all Albertans. This is a deep loss for all of Canada.”

The following statement was issued by Alberta Premier Rachel Notley:

“There are no words adequate for moments like this as my family knows very well,” said the premier whose father NDP leader Grant Notley died in a plane crash in 1984.

“But there are words to remember Premier Prentice’s contributions to Alberta. He served our province in so many roles for so many years. He deeply loved Alberta. He worked tirelessly for all of us, in the true spirit of one who is committed to public service. I benefitted from his advice and the Government of Alberta is continuing to pursue many of his initiatives. All Albertans are the better for this.

“We will find an appropriate occasion to fully remember Premier Prentice’s career and contributions.

“But today our thoughts are with his family. With Karen and their daughters Christina, Cassia and Kate. And with two grandchildren who will have much to be proud of in their grandfather.”

British Columbia Premier Premier Christy Clark said: “Like many Canadians, I was shocked to hear the news about Jim Prentice. This is a terrible loss for our country. It’s a rare privilege to meet people of Jim’s character in any walk of life. He was a man of his word, would keep confidences and his handshake was worth more than any written agreement.

“Simply by being himself, Jim Prentice elevated political discourse in this country with his dignity, kindness and focus. Jim devoted his life to making Canada better — and he succeeded.

“Jim had a remarkable and distinguished career, but I think he took the most pride in being a husband, father, and grandfather. My thoughts are with Jim’s family.”

In addition to Prentice, family friend Ken Gellatly, a Calgary optometrist, was among those killed in the crash.</s>Former Alberta premier Jim Prentice among four people killed in plane crash near Kelowna

A plane carrying four people, including former Alberta premier Jim Prentice, crashed into a heavily wooded area near Kelowna on Thursday night (Oct. 13), killing everyone on board.

The Cessna Citation aircraft left Kelowna airport bound for the Calgary area, but crashed shortly after takeoff, approximately four kilometres north of Beaver Lake Road, east of Lake Country, stated RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Dan Moskaluk in a press release. The plane departed the airport at approximately 9:30 p.m.

“Our police officers and police dog reached the crash scene shortly after midnight, but unfortunately they were not able to locate any survivors,” said Moskaluk. “There was catastrophic damage at the crash site.”

Prentice, 60, was with a group of four flying out of Kelowna following a golf trip. RCMP have described the wreckage as catastrophic and unsurvivable.

Prentice was a former Alberta PC premier and former federal cabinet minister in the Conservative government of Stephen Harper. He left federal politics in 2010 and took a job as the senior executive vice-president of CIBC. He later ran for the Alberta PC leadership.

While Prentice’s political colleagues have confirmed his death through outpourings, the authorities are taking a cautious approach, leaving the identities of the other three passengers a mystery.

“Our priority is to first share information with the families of those individuals killed in this tragic crash,” said Moskaluk.

Following confirmation that next of kin have been notified, information about the identities of the remaining passengers may be released publicly.

A coroner from Kelowna attended the scene of the crash on the morning of Oct. 14, and identification specialists from the BC Coroners Service headquarters in Burnaby also made their way to the crash site.

BC Coroners Service personnel are working closely with investigators from the Transportation Safety Board and RCMP, and does not expect to release any further information until Monday at the earliest.</s>KELOWNA, B.C. — Former Alberta premier Jim Prentice has been killed in plane crash in British Columbia.

Media reports are citing sources that say Prentice was on board the small plane that went down Thursday night after taking off from the Kelowna airport.

The plane was en route to the Springbank airport, outside Calgary.

The Transportation Safety Board says all four people on board died.

Prentice, also a former federal cabinet minister, quit politics last May after the Alberta NDP swept the Progressive Conservatives from power.</s>KELOWNA, B.C. — Former Alberta premier Jim Prentice has been reportedly killed in a plane crash.

Several media outlets are citing Conservative sources as confirmation.

The Transportation Safety Board says all four people aboard the small plane that crashed in southern British Columbia were killed.

Board spokesman Bill Yearwood said a Cessna Citation aircraft with four people on board went down at about 10:30 p.m. Thursday after taking off from Kelowna on a flight to Springbank, outside Calgary.

Born in the Timmins, Ont., suburb of South Porcupine in 1956, Prentice left federal politics to replace Alison Redford as the Conservative premier of Alberta until losing the last election.

As a Conservative MP for Calgary Centre-North, Prentice served in the Stephen Harper government as minister of Indian Affairs, minister of industry, and minister of environment.

He was 60 years old.

RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk confirmed police were alerted when the private business-style jet lost radar contact Thursday night.

“Investigators located the crash site approximately four kilometres into a heavily wooded area east of Lake Country,” Moskaluk said in a news release.

The site of the crash was northeast of Winfield, about 18 kilometres north of Kelowna.

A team of investigators from the board was on its way to the scene of the crash near Kelowna.

- with files from The Canadian Press</s>Former Alberta Premier Jim Prentice is among the four people who died in a plane crash in British Columbia.

The Globe and Mail has confirmed that Mr. Prentice was among the passengers of a Cessna Citation business jet that crashed north of Kelowna, B.C.

A team of investigators from the board was on its way to the scene of the crash near Kelowna.

Read more: Mirrors and miscalculations: Five Alberta election moments to remember

Transportation Safety Board spokesman Bill Yearwood told the Canadian Press that the aircraft with four people on board went down at about 10:30 p.m. Thursday after taking off from Kelowna on a flight to Springbank airport, outside Calgary.

RCMP Coporal Dan Moskaluk confirmed police were alerted when the private business-style jet lost radar contact.

“Investigators located the crash site approximately four kilometres into a heavily wooded area east of Lake Country,” Moskaluk said in a news release.

The site of the crash was northeast of Winfield, about 18 kilometres north of Kelowna.

Yearwood did not have information about the names or hometowns of those aboard the small jet, or what might have caused the crash.

“We are organizing a team to deploy to the accident site,” he said.

Cpl. Moskaluk said the RCMP will continue to secure the crash site, awaiting the arrival of the Transportation Safety Board.

With files from The Canadian Press</s>— "It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of former Alberta Premier, Jim Prentice, who died last night in a tragic plane crash just outside of Kelowna. Jim was a man who brought his deep convictions to everything he turned his hand to – whether it was law, business, or politics. At each step of his career, Jim was a strong voice for the people of Alberta and for the people of Canada. He was highly respected and well liked in the House of Commons, across all party lines, because he brought an intelligent, honest, and straightforward approach to everything he did." Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

— "It is incredibly sad for Albertans and Canadians ... Jim was an incredibly passionate, wonderful fine person. He felt deeply about people and whether there was opportunity for them." Former Alberta health minister Stephen Mandel.

— "I enjoyed working with Jim Prentice when he was a key federal cabinet minister and then as premier of our closest friend and neighbour, Alberta. Tami and I express our deepest condolences to Jim's family and friends and to all Albertans. This is a deep loss for all of Canada." Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall.

— "Jim came to see me when I became mayor —one of my very first meetings, in fact — and he helped me navigate those tough first few weeks. Even after he left federal politics, he was an important part of this city and always ready to help however he could." Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

— "Jim leaves a rich legacy of public service and loyal representation federally and provincially. However, of special note was his genuine commitment to, and work on behalf of First Nations people in Canada. Jim brought his remarkable work-ethic, intellect and passion to bear on matters critical to the improvement of quality of life for First Nations people." Roy Whitney, Chief of the Tsuut'ina First Nation.

— "Jim was a consistent voice for a stronger, more united Canada. Most importantly, Jim was a good friend, a caring father and grandfather, and loving husband. My heart goes out to his wife Karen and to all those who were close to him." Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister.

— "It is with great sadness that Catherine and I learned of the sudden passing of Jim Prentice today. We join all New Democrats in offering our most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones at this difficult time. As a Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, and later as the Premier of Alberta, Mr. Prentice served both Canada and Alberta with honour and respect." NDP Leader Tom Mulcair.

— "Jim was a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to build a better country and province. He was a consummate professional and someone who loved Alberta and believed deeply in its potential. His reasoned, pragmatic voice in Canadian politics will be sorely missed." Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson.

— "When he left politics one of the things he said was he was looking forward to being a grandfather, spending time with family — what a tragedy that he has been taken from them so soon." Former Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith.</s>Among the dead from a Thursday night plane crash in a wooded area near Kelowna is former Alberta premier Jim Prentice.

Prentice, 60, was with a group of four flying out of Kelowna in a Cessna Citation en route to Alberta, following a golf trip. The plane went down shortly after takeoff and RCMP have described the wreckage as catastrophic and unsurvivable.

Prentice was a former Alberta PC premier and former federal cabinet minister in the Conservative government of Stephen Harper. ( Read more on Prentice’s background here) He left federal politics in 2010 and took a job as the senior executive vice-president of CIBC. He later ran for the Alberta PC leadership.

Social media sites were flooded with remembrances of Prentice, who was described as an honest politician and a good family man.

Among those struck by the news was former Kelowna Lake Country MP Ron Cannan, who worked closely with Prentice from 2006 to 2010. They also shared a lot of downtime having to commute back and forth to Ottawa together.

“He always had time for people and was very well respected from all political parties and staff and media,” said Cannan, adding that he related to Prentice as a family man above all else, and the two often discussed their daughters in those moments.

One instance of Prentice’s character that stood out to Cannan was when the then industry minister was visiting Kelowna for business, and they’d taken time out to play a game of golf.

One of Cannan’s constituents had an idea for a business he wanted to pitch, and Cannan invited him along.

“He rode around on the course with (Prentice) for awhile,” said Cannan, noting that the conversation eventually led to a local business being launched successfully. He said Prentice also formed a good relationship with the Westbank First Nation, when he was cabinet as minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

Premier Christy Clark offered some insight into Prentice’s character in the hours after the crash.

“This is a terrible loss for our country. It’s a rare privilege to meet people of Jim’s character in any walk of life. He was a man of his word, would keep confidences, and his handshake was worth more than any written agreement,” said Clark, in a statement.

“Simply by being himself, Jim Prentice elevated political discourse in this country with his dignity, kindness, and focus. Jim devoted his life to making Canada better – and he succeeded.”

While Prentice’s political colleagues have confirmed his death through outpourings, the authorities are taking a cautious approach, leaving the identities of the other three passengers a mystery.

“Our priority is to first share information with the families of those individuals killed in this tragic crash,” said Cpl. Dan Moskaluk.

Following confirmation that next of kin have been notified, information about the identities of the remaining passengers may be released publicly.

Moskaluk described the damage at the site as “catastrophic” and is working with the BC Coroner’s Service.

Transportation Safety Board members are also on site collecting data, examining and photographing the wreckage, and assessing all “relevant information” such as the weather conditions or anything else that may have caused the crash.

The private business-style jet, with four people on board went down at about 10:30 p.m. Thursday after taking off from Kelowna on a flight to Springbank, outside Calgary.

“Investigators located the crash site approximately four kilometres into a heavily wooded area east of Lake Country,” Moskaluk said in a news release.

The site of the crash was northeast of Winfield, about 18 kilometres north of Kelowna.

On Oct. 13, at 10:07 p.m., the Kelowna RCMP and Lake Country RCMP detachments were alerted by the Surrey Air Traffic Control Centre that they had lost contact with a Citation jet shortly after its takeoff from the Kelowna International Airport. The aircraft was destined for Calgary.

“Several resources were immediately dispatched to the jet’s last known location,” said Moskaluk. “RCMP investigators located the crash site approximately 4 km into a heavily wooded area north of Beaver Lake Road east of Lake Country.”</s>The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed four people had died in a crash on Thursday evening but did not release names.

Canada's Transportation Safety Board said they were investigating the wreckage of a downed Citation jet that was traveling to Calgary, Alberta, which crashed shortly after its takeoff from Kelowna, British Columbia.

"Our police officers and police dog reached the crash scene shortly after midnight, but unfortunately they were not able to locate any survivors," RCMP spokesman Dan Moskaluk said in a statement. "There was catastrophic damage."

The British Columbia coroner's officer said it was unlikely to confirm the victims' identity on Friday.

Current Alberta Premier Rachel Notley canceled a planned appearance, although her office did not give the reason why.

There was no official statement from Prentice's Alberta Progressive Conservative Party or the Alberta government but tributes and condolences poured in from other political colleagues.

Tom Mulcair, leader of the federal NDP, and federal Green Party leader Elizabeth May both said he would be sorely missed.

Conservative member of Parliament Gerry Ritz, who served in the federal government with Prentice, remembered him as a politician who distinguished himself by his passion.

"The world's a sadder place," Ritz said. "He was one of the best aboriginal affairs ministers we've seen in this country. His never back up attitude and his passion set him apart."

After Prentice left federal politics in 2010, he joined Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, where he stayed until 2014.

"This news comes as a terrible shock to all of us," said Victor Dodig, president and CEO of CIBC. "Jim was a great friend, colleague and Canadian."

Prentice was leader of oil-rich Alberta for less than a year, until his Progressive Conservative party was defeated by the left-leaning NDP party in May 2015.

His tenure as premier coincided with a dramatic slump in crude prices due to global oversupply. The downturn hit Canada's biggest oil-producing province hard. Many Albertans blamed the incumbent Conservative government, which at that point had been in power for 44 years, for not building up a bigger financial cushion during the boom years.

Earlier this year U.S. private equity firm Warburg Pincus appointed Prentice as an advisor in its energy group.</s>Former Alberta premier Jim Prentice played a major role in both national and provincial politics over the last two decades.

Prentice served as premier from September 2014 to May 2015 before the NDP defeated his Progressive Conservative government in last year's election.

Prior to that he had made his mark as a federal PC leadership candidate and federal Conservative cabinet minister, serving in the Indian and Northern Affairs, Industry and Environment portfolios.

“He was passionate about politics," said former PC cabinet minister Rick Orman, a longtime friend of Prentice.

"He was either working for someone or standing as a candidate … you have to respect that.”

The former premier was one of four people killed in the plane, which crashed Thursday night shortly after taking off from Kelowna bound for Springbank airport.

Related: Politicos, friends, Canadians weigh in on death of Prentice

Prentice, who was married and had three daughters, was born in Ontario and moved to Grand Cache, Alberta at the age of 13.

His father had played briefly in the NHL and Prentice was a self-described "rink rat" as a kid before a knee injury ended his dreams of a pro hockey career.

As he ran for leader in 2014, he told Postmedia that he viewed politics and hockey through the same lens.

"It has the same sense of camaraderie, the same sense of teamwork, the same discipline is needed in terms of supporting your teammates," he said.

"My own philosophy in politics is that if I am the captain on the team, I'll be the leader. I won't ask anybody to do something I won't do. I'll go in the corner and muck around as much as needs to be done. But when a decision is made by the team to do something, then everybody sticks together."

Related: Prentice made a name for himself in some tough portfolios

As he often recounted on the campaign trail, Prentice spent his summers working in the coal mines while studying commerce at the University of Alberta and law at Dalhousie University in Halifax.

As a young lawyer, Prentice was bitten by the political bug in 1976 when he volunteered on Joe Clark's upstart federal PC leadership campaign.

That started what would be decades of immersion in conservative politics, including an unsuccessful run for the provincial Tories in 1986.

In the years that followed, the lawyer became active in property rights cases and First Nations land claims, eventually serving as head of the Indian Claims Commission of Canada. On the political scene, he chaired Orman's unsuccessful bid for the provincial Tory leadership in 1991 and became treasurer of the federal PC party from 1991 to 1995.

Prentice returned to federal politics over the next decade as the fracture between Canada's conservative forces was at its deepest.

Amid talk of trying to "unite the right," he opted to seek the federal nomination in Calgary Southwest in 2002 to capture Preston Manning's old seat. He won the PC nomination, but stepped aside when newly crowned Canadian Alliance leader Stephen Harper decided to run in the riding.

The following year, he entered the federal PC leadership race to replace Clark as a relative unknown, finishing second.

When the Alliance and PCs finally merged later that year, Prentice launched a short-lived campaign to lead the united Conservative party. He stepped aside the day Harper announced his own leadership bid, citing the lack of ability to raise funds.

In 2004, Prentice finally ran for public office under the Conservative banner in Calgary North-Centre. He won by more than 17,000 votes. In opposition, the rookie MP made headlines for supporting same-sex marriage legislation when most of his Tory colleagues did not.

After the 2006 election, he was appointed to Harper's cabinet and would serve in some of the most high-profile, and contentious, portfolios. He also served as the chair of the critical cabinet operations committee that handles day-to-day government business.

In that period, the Harper government walked away from the Kelowna Accord with First Nations, issued a historic apology for the Indian residential schools and signed the Copenhagen accord to curtail GHG emissions, even as it faced growing criticism for its climate change policies.

In 2010, after more than six years as an MP, Prentice surprised many when he declared his "tour of duty" in the House of Commons was over. He took an executive role with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and later a number of corporate directorships with blue chip firms like Canadian Pacific and BCE.

While he was often mentioned as a successor to Harper as Conservative leader, it was provincial politics that ultimately pulled him back.

The PC dynasty that had governed Alberta for more than four decades was in rough shape following years of infighting and the resignation of then-premier Alison Redford in the midst of controversy.

Prentice entered the race as the overwhelming favourite, with the support of almost the entire Tory caucus, as he promised to renew the ethical tone of government.

"I will need to work hard to restore the trust and confidence that Albertans expect in their government," he said when he launched his campaign.

Prentice swept to victory with 77 per cent of the vote in the leadership campaign to become Alberta's 16th premier.

Exerting a steady hand as premier, Prentice was at first enormously popular, but trouble quickly arose during his tenure as high oil prices that had buoyed the provincial economy and government coffers began to slide.

Kyle Fawcett, who was appointed environment minister under Prentice, said he was a demanding leader who “brought out the best in people."

“Jim was never one to pass the buck. He was very accountable,” Fawcett said Friday.

Just before Christmas of 2014, almost the entire Wildrose Oppostion caucus crossed the floor to join the PC government. While the move at first appeared to be a political masterstroke for Prentice, the mass defection caused fury among Wildrose supporters and raised dissatisfaction among many PCs.

In early 2015, Prentice's government released a tough budget that put an end to Alberta's flat tax on income and reintroduced health care premiums, while also cutting health and education spending.

Saying he needed a mandate for the budget, Prentice called an election despite provincial legislation that set the date of the vote in 2016.

Hammered on both sides by the Wildrose and the NDP under new leader Rachel Notley, the Tories went down to defeat, with Prentice resigning both his party leadership and the Calgary-Foothills seat he had just won on election night.

Prentice mostly laid low in the election aftermath but apologized to PC members at a party dinner in Calgary less than two weeks after the vote.

The obligation of leadership rests squarely on my shoulders," an emotional Prentice told the crowd of more than 1,000 people.

"I will carry those decisions and the electoral consequences of it for the rest of my life."

In the year after the election, Prentice was named a visiting scholar at the Washington D.C.-based Canada Institute of the Wilson Centre for fourth months and took a new position with private equity firm Warburg Pincus. He was also writing a book on energy and environment issues in Canada.

Prentice made one of his few public comments following the death in a car accident of PC MLA Manmeet Bhullar, one of his closest friends and proteges.

“In the world today, where there’s a lot of darkness, he represented everything positive about humanity and the future and the possibilities of the future,” said Prentice.
A plane crash near Kelowna, BC, kills Canadian politician and former Premier of Alberta Jim Prentice along with three others.