Former Conservative senator, longtime politico Hugh Segal dead at 72

OTTAWA — Former Tory senator and longtime Progressive-Conservative political staffer Hugh Segal died Wednesday at the age of 72.

Graham Fox, a managing principal at the Navigator consulting firm, confirmed the news this morning.

Those close to him say he was an ardent defender of civil liberties, and a lifelong advocate for a guaranteed annual income.

Former prime minister Brian Mulroney says in an interview that Segal was an eternally optimistic person who worked hard as his chief of staff.