Federal lawmakers Michael Chong and Andrew Scheer, both candidates for the federal Conservative leadership, tweeted they were saddened to learn of the passing of their former colleague. Chong said Prentice devoted his life to Canada.
Prentice was among former Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper's most trusted cabinet ministers. He served as the industry minister, environment minister and minister of Indian and northern affairs.
He later left federal politics for provincial politics and became premier of Alberta in 2014. His party was defeated a year later in elections and returned to business. Current Alberta Premier Rachel Notley cancelled an afternoon event and is expected to talk later today.
Yearwood did not have information about the names or hometowns of those aboard the small jet, or what might have caused the crash.