Red Lake Mayor Phil Vinet died on June 5.
He was 69 and in the midst of his third term as mayor of the northwestern Ontario gold mining town.
Vinet had been receiving treatment for cancer.
Kenora MP Bob Nault called Vinet a “fierce advocate for northwestern Ontario who spent many years promoting and developing the region. As Northerners, especially those residing in Red Lake, we owe him a tremendous debt.
"I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and constituents at this time. As we come together to celebrate Phil's life, I know we will see how he has permanently left his mark on the North."
Vinet has been an executive member of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) tweeted that Vinet an “unfailing supporter of AMO and friend to many across (Ontario) and internationally. Big loss for Northern (Ontario) too.”
Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance offered his condolences on behalf of staff and the community.
“Phil was a determined and tireless advocate for his community and Northwestern Ontario, as evidenced by his many years of public service.
“I had the pleasure of working with Phil on the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association over the last four years, and his passion and commitment for the betterment of our region were unwavering.”
