Former Conservative Party leadership hopeful Belinda Stronach, left, chats with Sen. Donald Oliver and Sen. Mike Forrestall, right, in Halifax in 2024. Mr. Oliver died Wednesday at 86.

Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate of Canada, has died at the age of 86.

Oliver’s family in Nova Scotia confirmed the retired senator died Wednesday from a chronic heart condition.

He served for 23 years in the upper house of Parliament until he stepped down in 2013.

Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement on social media saying Oliver led a courageous life marked by service to his community and country.

Oliver was also a key figure in the creation of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia in 1983.

Premier Tim Houston says Nova Scotia was lucky to have someone of his ca

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