Former Liberal cabinet minister Jacques Daoust has passed away, aged 69, after having a stroke last week.

He died early Thursday August 3 at the Montreal Montreal Neurological Hospital. 

He was hospitalized on July 21 after having a stroke at his home in Montreal.

Earlier this week, media outlets reported that Daoust's condition was "stable" following the stroke. 

Before entering politics, Daoust had a storied career in banking and finance, working as a senior executive at both the Laurentian Bank and National Bank. 

Between 2006 and 2013, Daost headed Investissement Quebec which handled investments for the provincial government. 

Daoust's colleagues from the business world acknowledged his contributions.

 

In 2014, Daoust was elected as a Liberal MNA in the Verdun riding, and later served as Minister of the Economy.

Former colleague Marin Coiteux, with whom Daoust worked closely for several years, alluded to the devotion Daoust demonstrated during his political tenure.

 

In January 2016, Daoust was named Minister of Transport – a position that lasted eight months, as he resigned in 2016.

Premier Philippe Couillard expressed a sense of "sorrow" after hearing about the death of one of his colleagues.

Couillard expressed that Daoust did a lot for Quebec, and despite moments in his career that garnered controversy -- specficially regarding his role in the sale of hardware chain Rona -- he helped out numerous small businesses and entrepreneurs during the breadth of his career.

"Today let's think of the man, his family, and his public service," Couillard said. 

Opposition leaders from Coalition Avenir and the Parti Quebecois also expressed their condolences via Twitter.