Independent MP Chuck Cadman, who cast the deciding vote that let Paul Martin's minority Liberal government survive a confidence motion in May, has died of skin cancer.

The 57-year-old, who had been battling the disease for two years, died on Saturday with his wife at his side at his home in Surrey, B.C., his office said in a news release.

Cadman, who was first elected in 1997, represented the suburban Vancouver riding of Surrey North first for the Reform Party, then the Canadian Alliance and finally as an independent MP.

Chuck Cadman fought tirelessly for tougher penalties for young offenders who commit repeat or violent crimes. (CP Photo)

Politicians mourn passing of 'good and decent man'

Federal political leaders offered their condolences to Cadman's family, describing him as a man of integrity who had a real and positive impact as a legislator.

"Chuck was a good and decent man who fought a long illness with cheerful dignity," Conservative Leader Stephen Harper said in a statement.

Martin praised Cadman as a "passionate advocate" for victims' rights.

"His efforts were reflected in a number of changes to the Criminal Code and the proclamation of the new Youth Criminal Justice Act," he said in a statement. "With integrity and principle, Chuck Cadman came into politics to make a difference. And he succeeded."

NDP Leader Jack Layton said Cadman will be sorely missed on Parliament Hill.

Chemotherapy didn't keep Cadman from historic vote

Cadman played a pivotal role in averting a summer election, when he sided with Martin and the Liberals in a confidence vote on May 19.

Cadman flew to Ottawa for the vote despite having undergone chemotherapy for malignant melanoma only a short time earlier.

• FROM MAY 19, 2005: Government survives 2 confidence votes

His support gave the Liberals the razor-thin margin they needed to survive as the House voted 152-152 on Bill C-48, a budget amendment that added $4.6 billion in social program spending and delayed corporate tax cuts.

Speaker of the House Peter Milliken, who is a Liberal MP, broke the tie by voting for the budget.

Cadman said he supported the budget bill on behalf of his constituents, who largely opposed the calling of an election so soon after one in 2004.

Son's slaying spurred Cadman into politics

A personal tragedy propelled Cadman into politics after years of working as an electronics technician for the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.

His 16-year-old son, Jesse, was stabbed to death on a Surrey street in a random attack by a group of teenagers in 1992.

Cadman and his wife, Dona, became activists calling for justice reform and victims' rights. They co-founded the group Crime, Responsibility and Youth (CRY) in 1993.

Cadman supported dealing with first-time, non-violent young offenders outside of the formal court system and counselled teenagers who were deemed likely to commit violent crimes.

But he also fought for a tougher Young Offenders' Act, demanding stronger penalties for teenagers who committed repeat or violent crimes.

After becoming frustrated with what he saw as a lack of action by Jean Chrétien's Liberal government, Cadman ran for office and became a Member of Parliament in 1997.

Much of Cadman's work in parliament centred on trying to change the laws for young offenders and he served as justice critic for the official opposition, among other contributions.

In 2003, his efforts were rewarded when the Young Offenders Act was replaced by the stricter Youth Criminal Justice Act.

• INDEPTH: Youth Criminal Justice Act

Cadman ran as an independent in the 2004 election after he lost the Conservative nomination to someone who had signed up more party members.

After racking up a surprise victory, he became much-courted by the federal parties under the Liberal minority government.

Cadman is survived by his wife, Dona, and daughter Jodi, who have asked to be left alone to grieve.

A memorial service is planned for July 16 at Surrey's Johnson Height's Church.