TORONTO, Ont. – Al Palladini, former Ontario Minister of Transportation died suddenly of a heart attack Mar. 7. He was 57 years old.

Palladini had only retired from the Conservative cabinet a few weeks earlier. He last held the position of economic development and trade minister.

“He was a great human being with compassion, humanity, a zest for life a sense of humor,” says Janet Ecker, the province’s education minister. She served for many years alongside Palladini.

“I have lost one of my best friends,” said Premier Mike Harris, when he heard the news.

At the time of his resignation, Palladini noted the effects job stress had had on his life.

“I was not aware of the sacrifices and commitment that one has to make, not only when it comes to his or her personal way of living this type of life, but also the pressures it does put on one’s spouse and one’s family,” he said.

Palladini was part of the Ontario Tory cabinet since 1995, when he was appointed transportation minister.

He had recently gone through a divorce.

He was also the well known founder of Al Palladini’s Truck Centres.

Last fall, he was involved in negotiations over surcharges with independent truckers, carriers and shippers. n