Tribute to Jim Flaherty held in the House of Commons
Posted April 11, 2014 9:37 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA (NEWS1130) – MPs have held a touching tribute today in the House of Commons for former finance minister Jim Flaherty.
Flaherty died suddenly of an apparent heart attack yesterday at his home in Ottawa.
With a bouquet of flowers sitting atop the Flaherty’s empty desk, MPs remembered him as a man of integrity, and humour.
His influence crossed party lines, with the NDP’s Peter Julian saying we’ve lost someone who devoted his life to our country. “He served his constituents and all Canadians will dedication, with conviction, and with hard work.”
Others shared personal stories and applauded the help he gave to people with disabilities.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May says Flaherty’s sudden death is unfair for someone who devoted decades of his life to serving others. “Jim Flaherty deserved his retirement, deserved the rest.”
Flaherty was a mentor to Labour Minister Dr. Kellie Leitch, who was with him when he died.
She says despite his hectic job, Flaherty never lost sight of what’s important. “He loved his family, he loved his hometown, and he loved to kick back with a tall glass of Guinness.”
Leitch ended her speech with an Irish blessing and began crying as she said goodbye. “To my dear friend, Jim: I loved you immensely, my fierce friend. I will miss you forever.”
Many MPs wore green today to honour Flaherty and his Irish heritage. The flag on Parliament Hill is flying at half staff and a book of condolences has been set up in the Hall of Honour.
Flaherty had resigned from the finance portfolio less than a month ago, saying his family had urged him to step down.
Flaherty was 64.
