Tributes from a broad spectrum of Quebecers and Canadians are pouring in for deceased political commentator Jean Lapierre.

Lapierre, his wife, his brothers and sister, and two pilots died Tuesday in a plane crash in the Iles de la Madeleine. The Lapierre family was flying to a funeral for their father Raymond, who passed away on Monday.

As news of Jean Lapierre's death spread, condolences arrived from politicians, journalists, and citizens for whom he was part of daily life in Quebec.

Lapierre was first elected as a federal MP in 1979 at the age of 23, one of the youngest MPs to ever serve in the House of Commons.

He was a faithful Liberal until the failure of the Meech Lake accord, at which point he left the party and joined forces with Lucien Bouchard to form the Bloc Quebecois.

After a few years he left the Bloc and returned to his support of the federal Liberal party, and began his career as a political commentator, eventually appearing on CBC radio and TV, CJAD, TVA, and on CTV.

CTV Montreal Executive Director Barry Wilson said Lapierre's knowledge of Quebec politics was "uncanny."

"He was a wealth of information... who always maintained his small-town roots," said Wilson.

Those small-town roots, and an understanding of how to describe behind-the-scenes political action, both in French and English, served him well in his career.

"He was a bridge," between English and French communities said Wilson.

Meanwhile condolences and tributes to Lapierre poured in Tuesday from those who worked with and knew him.

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre, who was a former colleague of Lapierre’s when they served as MPs, expressed his condolences to Lapierre's mother.

He was emotional as he recalled his last trip to Iles-de-la-Madeleine, when Coderre paid a visit to Lapierre’s parents. Coderre spoke of Lapierre’s tenacity and intelligence, and his love for politics.

"He was a guy who was curious about life - he wanted to know and wanted to understand," said Coderre, saying they didn't always agree, but he always respected his opinion.

He referred to him as a great communicator, capable of expressing his opinions in a simple, succinct way.

CJAD morning host Andrew Carter spoke with Lapierre almost every day, and said his malapropisms were as well-known as his political knowledge.

"He would always be insightful. He'd always be affable. But there would always be some turn of phrase that he didn't get quite right in English. It would make us laugh," said Carter.

TVA issued a statement expressing grief at the loss of Lapierre.

"I am completely devastated by this news that will leave a void in politics, the media and Quebec society," said Julie Tremblay, president of TVA, in the statement.

"We have lost today not just a colleague, but also a passionate man who influenced all of Quebec with his rigour and his analytical skills," said Pierre Dion, president and CEO of Quebecor Inc., which owns TVA.

Thousands of Quebecers shared their admiration for Lapierre by using the hashtag #salutsalut on social media, or sharing a cartoon drawn by noted political cartoonist Ygreck.

Quebec premier Philippe Couillard said Lapierre had an ability to steer political debate in Quebec, and was often the subject of discussion at morning meetings. 

"When we had meetings in the morning, we would ask 'what is Lapierre saying this norning? On what subject is he on,' because this would colour the rest of the day. Now whether he will be replaced or not this remains to be seen, you know," said Couillard.

"There’s a saying that nobody is irreplaceable but he has his own style, his own personality and this one will be very hard to replace."

Former prime minister Paul Martin also expressed his grief for the loss of the former MP and his friend.

"He had a great love for this country, and great love for people," he said. "He always had a smile on his face."

He added that his skills as a commentator were highly lauded.

"He's one of the finest political analysts I ever met," Martin added. "He worked so hard at it."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted, "Shaken by the sudden death of the Hon. Jean Lapierre on the Iles-de-la-Madeleine. A great loss to the political world."

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair also tweeted his condolences.

"An utter shock to learn of the death of Jean Lapierre and many family members," Mulcair said. "Deepest condolences to those grieving this tragic loss."