Less than a month after retiring from his post as finance minister, Jim Flaherty has passed away.
He was 64.
Flaherty served as finance minister from 2006 to March of this year. He quit and planned to return to the private sector.
He entered politics in 1995 and served as a member of provincial parliament in Ontario for a decade and was the province’s finance minister between February 2001 and April 2002. He resigned from provincial politics to enter federal politics in 2005.
Flaherty is survived by his wife and three sons.
Here’s reaction his colleagues and the industry.
“Dear friends, today is a very sad day for me, for our Government and for all of our country. I learned a short while ago that our colleague, my partner and my friend, Jim Flaherty, has passed away suddenly today. This comes as an unexpected and a terrible shock to Jim’s family, to our Caucus, and to Laureen and me. And it is with the heaviest of hearts that I offer my family’s condolences, and I know the condolences of the entire Parliament and Government of Canada, to Jim’s wife Christine, and his sons Quinn, Galen and John at this tragic time.”—Prime Minister Stephen Harper
“Jim was an honourable, dedicated and exceptional man who loved his country. During his long and distinguished career in public life, Jim made countless contributions to Canada’s economic growth and prosperity. On the international scene, Jim played a pivotal role in the small group of senior decision-makers who quickly and effectively responded to the 2008-09 global financial crisis. His consummate skill and foresight during that difficult period allowed Canada’s economy to emerge stronger than ever. As the guiding force of ten federal budgets, Jim never wavered in his abiding commitment to build a better country for all Canadians, a legacy that will ensure his memory as one of Canada’s great statesmen.”—Joe Oliver, minister of finance
“It was with deep sadness that I learned that Jim Flaherty has passed away. All of Queen’s Park is in shock. Jim and I were colleagues at Queen’s Park from 2003 to 2005, but he served Ontario in the legislature from 1995 to 2005 and I loved his feisty, articulate spirit. I have worked with his wife, MPP Christine Elliot, who is a dedicated public servant, in the Ontario legislature for many years. I extend my deepest condolences to her and their three sons, John, Quinn and Galen at this moment of tragic loss. Canada has lost a great Canadian.”—Kathleen Wynne, premier of Ontario
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Jim Flaherty. Canada has lost a true leader and statesman who dedicated more than 20 years of public service to making Canada a better and stronger country. He oversaw the country’s Finance portfolio very capably during one of the most challenging periods in economic history, he represented Canada extremely well on the international stage, and he was respected far and wide for his intelligence, drive, wit, determination and sound judgement… and yet he never lost his touch and care for the common person, whether that was a constituent, or a fellow passenger on the commuter train. More than anything, he was an honest and decent man. I extend deep condolences to Christine, and their three boys, John, Galen and Quinn.”—Donald Guloien, Manulife president and CEO
“We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Jim Flaherty. Mr. Flaherty’s leadership helped guide Canada through the global financial crisis, and established Canada as a global economic leader. Through his determination and guidance, Canada made great strides toward securing a better financial future. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”—Brian Porter, Scotiabank president and CEO
“Mr. Flaherty acted as finance minister during one of the most challenging periods of our country’s financial history. We were able to appreciate his great gifts whenever we were called upon. His availability at the right times and his ability to adjust to the complex reality of a different but cooperative financial group were greatly appreciated. We recognize that it is largely thanks to him that our economy performed so well during the recent financial crisis.”—Monique Leroux, president and CEO of Desjardins Group
“He was a great Canadian, honourable statesmen and leader who made an enormous contribution to our country as finance minister. Minister Flaherty’s priority was to keep Canada on a strong financial footing. Our country was strengthened by his actions which guided us out of a deep recession and his legacy will be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Flaherty family at this difficult time.”—Michael Conway, president and CEO of FEI Canada
“Mr. Flaherty was fully committed to Canada and to its economic development and prosperity. He served this country with excellence, and more than that, he earned the deep respect of his international peers and represented Canada so effectively on the world stage. This is a sad day for the nation. To Mr. Flaherty’s family, friends and former colleagues, we offer our deepest sympathies.”—Thomas Kloet, TMX Group CEO
“We are deeply saddened to learn of Jim Flaherty’s passing— a tremendous loss for the country. He was a remarkable man who was selfless in contributing so much to public service and to Canada. He showed great strength in leading Canada through tough economic times and gained deserved recognition and respect at home and abroad. He was passionate about his community and his country. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”—Susan Wolburgh Jenah, president and CEO of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada
“Over the years Advocis has had the great pleasure of working closely with Mr. Flaherty on a number of issues impacting financial advisors and their clients. He was an outstanding finance minister, and it was with a heavy heart that we received this terrible news. Our condolences go out to the Flaherty family during this difficult time.”—Greg Pollock, Advocis president and CEO
Related articles: