A tough day on Parliament Hill Wednesday as 41 year old Conservative M.P., Jim Hillyer, was found dead in his office, the victim of an apparent heart attack.

Hillyer was a cancer survivor, but was having further health issues as a result of a car crash about a year and a half ago.

Foothills M.P. John Barlow says he had a good conversation with Hillyer just the day before his passing.

"He was in good spirits, obviously with the health issues he's been going through over the past couple of years. We were talking about our Montreal Canadiens and how bad their season has been, but how excited he was to be getting back on the ice next week and for us to get the news this (Wednesday) morning as we're walking back up to the Hill was shocking."

Barlow posted this on his Facebook Page:

"Louise and I are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our friend and colleague, Jim Hillyer, the Member of Parliament for Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner. Our hearts go out to Jim's wife Livi and his family and friends in southern Alberta. He was a man dedicated to his family and I respected Jim for that. We often rode to hockey together in Ottawa for MP hockey night and shared our love and frustration for the Montreal Canadiens, our passion for southern Alberta and stories about our kids. Jim was a friend and it is a difficult day for his colleagues in Ottawa and those he represented in Alberta. He will be missed."

The flag atop Parliament Hill is flying at half staff today.

Following is a statement from Opposition Leader Rona Ambrose:

"Jim was a valued and hardworking member of the Conservative team, and a passionate advocate for those he represented. More than that, he was a dedicated husband and father, and a man of strong faith and conviction. I pray that his and his family’s faith will help them through this very difficult time. On behalf of the Official Opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada, I offer my deepest condolences to Jim’s wife Livi and their children as they deal with this painful loss."

Hillyer, with his wife Livi and three of his four children. Photo - jimhillyer.com

Tributes from other political leaders from around the country are coming in.

Alberta Wildrose Opposition Leader Brian Jean issued a release:

“I am incredibly saddened today to hear of the sudden and tragic passing of our friend Jim.  Jim was a man who lived his life with passion and dedication to public service – an individual who lived faithfully and honourably to his family and friends. There’s no question of his perseverance after earlier in his life overcoming a battle with leukemia. I was honoured to serve for several years with him in Ottawa and he will be deeply missed. Above all else, Jim should be remembered as a man of strong faith, a loving father and husband. I pray comfort for his family, and on behalf of the Wildrose, offer our deepest condolences.”

Question period has been cancelled for the day in the wake of his passing, with the major party leaders set to give public statements of condolence later in the day.