Jim Flaherty Has Died.
Ottawa, Ontario- Former Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty is dead. He was 64.
Paramedics were called to his home in Ottawa this morning. while cause of death has not been confirmed, it appears he suffered a massive heart attack.
(at right, Flaherty had posted this "selfie" on his twitter feed on his last day in politics, March 18th)
His family has issued this statement:
"Christine Elliott and her triplet sons, John, Galen and Quinn would like to make Canadians aware that her beloved husband and father passed away peacefully today in Ottawa.
“We appreciate that he was so well supported in his public life by Canadians from coast to coast to coast and by his international colleagues.
“The family asks for privacy at this time.”
The House of Commons has been suspended following the news.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper referred to Flaherty as "a partner and friend" as he spoke with media following the news of Flaherty's death "Today is a very sad day for me, our government and for all of our country. This comes as an unexpected and a terrible shock.
Jim will be sorely missed, not only by his many friends on both sides of the House.… He will also be missed by the countless thousands of Canadians that he devoted himself to and who he helped through his years in public life.”
Prince George -Peace River MP Bob Zimmer has extended his condolences to the Flaherty family and says he he knew Flaherty "as a man who everyone respected deeply, with a quick wit and amazing sense of humor, I am honoured and privileged to have had the opportunity to call Jim Flaherty my colleague and my friend."
"Jim Flaherty was an extraordinary person" says Thomas Mulcair, Leader of the NDP.
"I was shocked and saddened to hear that Jim Flaherty has passed away" says Premier Christy Clark, in a statement issued this hour. The balance of her statement is below:
"This is a terrible loss for our country. Jim was a great leader and Canadian. He served with distinction in both provincial and federal politics, and made a difference in both. Under his watch, Canada returned to stability and balanced budgets.
"And while his achievements in Toronto and Ottawa will stand the test of time, perhaps his most important legacy was as a family man. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Christine and their three sons."
Flaherty had left politics about a month ago, not long after delivering the federal budget. He had planned to return to the private sector.
He leaves behind his wife, and three sons.
Comments
Condolences to his family. He was a great example of who should be in politics.
Ditto to above. Just as an aside, his passing brings in to view my personal obsession re: my own mortality. He was 3 years younger than I am. Mickey Rooney was 93. Much thought given to taking care of yourself and be nice to every one. Good way to be remembered.
I certainly liked Jim Flaherty, he was a fair and honest person.
He will be missed.
Condolences to the family. He guided us through the worst financial crisis that most of us have seen. Amen Harbinger, no one is guaranteed tomorrow.
My condolences to the family. He always deserved accolades for the respectful attitude he displayed towards everyone!
His mortgage buy back program was brilliant. It fixed the finacial crisis for Canada and made money for the Canadian Government.
Pal Maybe he was a great guy but let me tell you he belonged to the wrong government.
They don’t give a dam about the middle class its all for the greedy monye baggers.
Cheers
I think he was in a class of his own in the government he represented.
‘Retired 02’ is right that the conservative government of Harper has not been good for the middle class and is full of vindictive ideologues not worthy of governing power. Pierre Poilievre is a prime example of today’s conservative, or Eve Adams and Patrick Brazeau… it couldn’t have been easy swimming with those partisan sharks.
But Jim Flaherty managed to be his own man and conducted himself with dignity and respect for others at all times, and in that he leaves a real legacy not only as the longest serving conservative finance minister, but as a decent man who lived with integrity. Its too bad he couldn’t be around a little longer to enjoy his retirement and legacy.
Taken too soon.
metalman.
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