Chilliwack, BC—The Strahl family has announced with profound sadness the passing of Chuck Strahl, former Member of Parliament for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon, who died on August 13, 2024, after a brave fight with mesothelioma. Strahl, a respected figure in Canadian politics, was 67 years old.
Born on February 25, 1957, in New Westminster, BC, Strahl was deeply rooted in British Columbia’s rural communities. He spent his early years in a logging family, moving across the province before settling in Chilliwack at the age of 10. It was in Chilliwack that Strahl met his future wife, Debby Bateman. The couple married in 1975 and shared nearly 50 years of unwavering love, raising four children and being blessed with 13 grandchildren.
Strahl’s deep Christian faith and commitment to his family were central to his life. He and his wife were active members of the Chilliwack Alliance Church, where they held various leadership roles. His faith and values guided him in his personal life and public service.
In 1993, Strahl transitioned from the family logging business to public office, being elected as a federal Member of Parliament. Over the course of 18 years, he was re-elected in six consecutive elections, serving his constituents with dedication. During his political career, Strahl held several key positions in the cabinet of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, including Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, and Minister of Transport. Despite his political success, Strahl remained grounded, prioritizing his faith, family, and friendships above all else.
His son, Mark Strahl, who followed in his father’s footsteps as an MP, shared the family’s grief on social media, stating, "Our dad was our best friend, our greatest defender, our biggest promoter, and our rock."
Tributes poured in from those who knew him, including a heartfelt message from Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who wrote on Facebook, "Chuck’s unwavering commitment to our movement and his deep love for Canada were part of everything he did. He was a man of principle, integrity, and compassion, and a foundational member of our Conservative Party. We will miss him dearly."
Other tributes on social media echoed the sentiment of loss and admiration. Erika Penner described him as "an incredible person" and "a great man of faith," while others like Lily McMurray and Dee Joly expressed their deep condolences to the Strahl family.
The Strahl family has announced that further details regarding a celebration of Chuck Strahl’s life will be shared in the coming days. The community of Chilliwack, along with friends and colleagues across Canada, mourn the loss of a man whose life was marked by service, faith, and unwavering love for his family and country.