Edmonton-born Mel Hurtig remembered as agitator, proud Canadian

All Canadians should be proud that this country produced an "agitator" likeMel Hurtig, former Edmonton bookshop owner Laurie Greenwood said Thursday.

"I think a lot of what we are today is because of Mel Hurtig,because of him saying, 'Never forget we're Canadians,' "Greenwood said in an interview. "He was an agitator, an activist, he got people moving.

"He really loved this country. Strong and free were not just words to him ...he wanted people to get out of their seats, and do something, and make sure Canada remains strong and free."

Born in Edmonton in 1932,Hurtig died Wednesday in a Vancouver hospital after a short bout of pneumonia. He was 84.

• Mel Hurtig Edmonton bookseller, publisher and activist dead at 84

Hurtig was a bookseller, a publisher, a nationalist and an author. He published The Canadian Encyclopedia in 1985. He was afounding member of the Committee for an Independent Canadaand founding chair of the Council of Canadians. In1992he helped create the National Party.

But Greenwoodknew him first, and best, through his Edmonton bookstore, Hurtig Books, and his publishing business, Hurtig Publishers.

"I first visited Hurtig Books as a teenager," she said. "It was my first bookstore where I hung out.

"Mel was well ahead of his time. His book store was comfortable: 'Come on in, play chess, have a coffee. It's not a library. Exchange ideas. Talk to each other.' He was always like that."

Hurtig was "a huge influence" on otherCanadian booksellers, Greenwood said.

"He was a voracious reader and it showed in his publishing program. He kept books in print about Canadian history and Indigenous people that would otherwise have disappeared.

"And, of course, the Canadian Encyclopedia in 1985. Not only was it a landmark for Canadians to have our own encyclopedia, it also made a lot of money for independent booksellers. Many people love Mel across the country for that."

Other Canadians weighed in Thursday on Hurtig's legacy.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeautweeted that Hurtig will be remembered for his contributions to Canada.

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson recalled having dinner with Hurtig and his family last year.

"I think we can all claim him as a great Edmontonian,but he was first and foremost a Canadian through and through," Iveson said. "He will be missed."

Sarah Hoffman, Alberta's deputy premier, offered thoughts and condolences to Hurtig's family on behalf of Albertans.

"As a businessman, Mel brought books to a literature-hungry Edmonton," Hoffman said in a statement.

"As a publisher, he nurtured our pride, knowledge and Canadian identity by bringing us the Canadian Encyclopedia. As a writer, he brought a unique perspective to issues that touch us all.

"Mel's dedication and accomplishments were an inspiration to generations of Albertans and Canadians in education, business, politics and the arts. He was a dedicated advocate, a committed nationalist and a model of family and community values."

Maude Barlow, national chairperson of the Council of Canadians, said Hurtigloved Canada more than anyone she ever met.

"He founded the Council of Canadians along with many dedicated Canadians to fight for a better Canada and a better world. We mourn his passing," Barlowsaid on the organization's website.