Former federal finance minister Jim Flaherty (seen here on the day he stepped down as finance minister) has died.
The House of Commons stopped business for the day after the news was given to MPs.
Paramedics were called to the 64 year-old Flarherty’s home around 10am Pacific Time, but they could not revive him.
Though they were on different sides of the fence politically, Nanaimo – Cowichan NDP MP Jean Crowder had a deep respect for Flaherty.
West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast and Sea to Sky MP John Weston calls Flaherty, “one of Canada’s most gracious and good-humoured leaders”. And he says that always came through every time he rose to speak in the Commons.
Nanaimo – Alberni MP James Lunney offered his thoughts via Twitter:
“Hon Jim Flaherty gone on to glory! He will be sorely missed by his loved ones and his many friends and colleagues!”
Flaherty’s family also issued a brief 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.”
Flaherty, who had been taking steroids to treat a serious skin condition, resigned from cabinet last month but was staying on to finish his term as an MP.
There’s been no word yet on whether his illness, or the treatment, played a role in his death.
(With files from 89.7 Sun FM, Duncan)
