Heard On The Hill

‘Tara was a ray of light’: Politicos across Canada show their support for Yaroslav Baran, whose wife Tara Baran, a former Conservative Hill staffer, died two weeks ago

Also, ex-Conservative Party president Scott Lamb is chairing the BC wing's leadership race, Diana Fox Carney gets some ice time in Nova Scotia, and Costa Rica's tourism minister helps launch Porter's new direct routes from Ottawa.

Tara Katrusiak Baran—pictured right and with her family including husband Yaroslav Baran and daughters Zoia, Emilia, Julia, and Sophia—is being remembered as a “Mother. Wife. Political analyst [who] loved with her whole heart.” She died on Dec. 31, 2025.Handout photographs

Feature

BY CHRISTINA LEADLAY

January 12, 2026

Tributes poured in on New Year’s Day and beyond after the sudden passing of former Conservative staffer Tara Katrusiak Baran on Dec. 31, 2025.

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Fridays: Hill Life & People Newsletter

Itâ€™s all about the people: the latest on parliamentarians, political staff, and politicos.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy