Canada

Photo: The Canadian Press - The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Laurier LaPierre pauses for a photo outside the Senate prior to being sworn in during a ceremony on Parliament Hill in Ottawa Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2001. CP/Jonathan Hayward

Retired senator Laurier LaPierre, who gained fame as the co-host of CBC's "This Hour has Seven Days," has died.

He was 83.

LaPierre was born in 1929 in Lac Magantic, Que. and rose to prominence on the CBC current affairs television program in the 1960's.

He made a brief foray into federal politics for the New Democrats before being defeated and returning to journalism for several decades.

He was appointed to the senate in 2001 by then Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

Liberal Party leader Bob Rae says LaPierre will be remembered for his advocacy on issues ranging from bilingualism to gay rights.

Rae describes LaPierre as an "exceptional Canadian who touched the lives of many."

LaPierre is survived by his partner Harvey Slack.