Former New Brunswick Senator Noel Kinsella died this week at the age of 84.

Kinsella also served as the senate's speaker from 2006 until his retirement in 2014.

Former New Brunswick senator Noël Kinsella has died at the age of 84. https://t.co/2x3lVBBFDM

— 98.1 News (@981News) December 7, 2023

His background

"Kinsella was also active in the human rights field, serving as chair of the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission for 22 years," according to reports.

"He also spent time as the president of the Canadian Human Rights Foundation," it added.

On behalf of New Brunswickers, Marcia and I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the Honourable Noël Augustus Kinsella. Born in Saint John in 1939, he was a prominent New Brunswicker who had a distinguished career in education and politics.

He… pic.twitter.com/hBmuc19xQ3

— Blaine Higgs (@premierbhiggs) December 6, 2023

Kinsella remembered

"On behalf of New Brunswickers, Marcia and I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the Honourable Noël Augustus Kinsella. Born in Saint John in 1939, he was a prominent New Brunswicker who had a distinguished career in education and politics," New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs wrote.

"At this time of mourning, Marcia’s and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Ann Conley Kinsella, and their family and friends," he continued.

Extremely sad news today with the passing of a parliamentary giant, Noel Kinsella. He exemplified grace, class, and wisdom as Speaker of the Senate. While I mourn his loss, I am grateful for his friendship and tutelage. My sincerest condolences to his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/1vMD6Arb3O

— Senator Leo Housakos (@SenatorHousakos) December 7, 2023

His background

"On September 12, 1990, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney appointed Kinsella to the Senate of Canada as a New Brunswick senator. In 2004, he joined the Conservative Senator group, joining the majority of the Tory caucus," SNBC 13 reported.

"Kinsella was the Opposition Whip from 1994 to 1999 and Senate Deputy Leader of the Opposition from 1999 until October 1, 2004. He then became the Senate Opposition Leader. After Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s proposal to the Governor General, he became Senate Speaker on February 8, 2006," it noted.

Kinsella was also the recipient of many awards, including becoming a Royal Canadian Navy honorary captain in December 2008.

His loss leaves behind decades of political history in Canada remembered by the nation that has impacted the world during his lifetime.

He has been remembered by numerous leaders and officials who have spoken of his deep legacy among the people of Canada.