TORONTO — Nigel Wright, a prominent Canadian businessman and former top aide to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has died at the age of 62. His passing was confirmed Tuesday by Onex, the private equity firm where Wright worked for nearly three decades. The company did not disclose the cause of death.
Bobby Le Blanc, president and CEO of Onex, described Wright as a consummate gentleman whose absence will be deeply felt. “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of our cherished colleague and friend, Nigel,” Le Blanc said in a statement.
Wright served as Harper’s chief of staff from 2011 to 2013, playing a central role in the Prime Minister’s Office during a pivotal period in Canadian politics. In a message posted to X, Harper and his wife Laureen said they were “shocked and heartbroken” to learn of Wright’s sudden passing. “A unique and deeply accomplished person, Nigel combined intellectual acumen with incredible capacity for work. He was also a man of faith who cared about his fellow citizens and generously supported a range of philanthropic causes throughout his life,” Harper wrote.
Tributes poured in from political colleagues and friends. Andrew MacDougall, Harper’s former communications director, called Wright “everything you would want a public servant to be: smart, dedicated, and Stakhanovite in his work ethic,” adding that he was “an even better person. Kind, generous, and selfless to a fault.” Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre offered condolences to Wright’s family, calling him “a principled and honourable man who was dedicated to Canada and to public service, and who made a lasting contribution to our country.”
Other tributes highlighted both Wright’s intellect and his humility. Dimitri Soudas, Harper’s former communications director, said Wright’s “sharp mind and unwavering dedication left a mark on all of us who had the privilege to work alongside him.” Ken Boessenkool, another Harper adviser, wrote that Wright “contributed mightily to Canadian conservatism, mostly quietly, always modestly.” Ian Brodie, Harper’s chief of staff from 2006 to 2008, recalled Wright’s “long life of public service” and spoke of their work together with fondness.
Wright’s career combined success in business with a deep commitment to public life. Politically active since his university days, he joined Onex in 1997 and later took a leave to serve in Harper’s office. His tenure as chief of staff ended in 2013 amid controversy when it was revealed he had personally written a $90,000 cheque to Senator Mike Duffy to cover disputed expense claims. Wright maintained his actions were lawful and in the public interest, and after extensive investigation, the RCMP cleared him of wrongdoing. He returned to Onex in 2014, relocating to its London office.
Jason Kenney, former Alberta premier and longtime Conservative colleague, said he was “shocked and saddened” by Wright’s passing. “Nigel was one of the kindest, most decent and generous people I have ever known. A person of unimpeachable integrity and honour. A brilliant man who excelled in business, and had a heart for public service. He was a true Canadian patriot. But most importantly, he was man of deep faith. He will be deeply missed by his many friends around the world.”
Nigel Wright leaves behind a legacy of leadership in both the private and public sectors, remembered as a man of intellect, principle, and generosity.