Advisors from across the country share their thoughts on the death of one of Canada's longest serving finance ministers.
"Even the fact I am a liberal, I always felt that he put his people and country first," posted one advisor, Dwight Johnson of Nova Scotia, in WP's comment section.
Flaherty died of a heart attack at his home in Ottawa. He was 64 years old.
One of Canada's longest serving finance ministers, taking on the position in 2006, Flaherty stepped down from the role and retired from politics less than one month ago, stating he wanted to return to the private sector and spend more time with his family.
Ken MacCoy, an advisor with B.C.-based RitePartner Financial Services, highlighted what he felt were Flaherty's accomplishments including tackling Canada's debt and introducing the Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA).
"Jim Flaherty was a finance minister who put everyday Canadians first," MacCoy wrote. "He got the debt under control and brought in the TFSA. Dare I say ...he was one of the good politicians and Canada will miss him!"
Another advisor emphasized that Flaherty's efforts as finance minister during the global economic crisis of 2008-09 boosted the international view of Canada and its economy.
"It is a shame that someone who was integral in putting Canada on the map as one of the best financial systems and stable/ transparent countries in the world but could (not) collect dividends long enough for himself," posted Bill V.
Flaherty is survived by his wife Christine Elliott and his three triplet sons. His family released an official statement shortly after the news broke Thursday afternoon.
“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," the statement read. “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.”
People from across the country were also active on Twitter sharing their condolences. See below for a collection of tweets remembering Flaherty and his impact on the country.
Very sad to hear of the passing of Jim Flaherty, a dedicated public servant with a deep love of this country.
— Naheed Nenshi (@nenshi) April 10, 2014
Like all Canadians, I join in expressing my sadness at Jim Flaherty’s passing. My sincere condolences to @chriselliottpc and his children.
— Justin Trudeau, MP (@JustinTrudeau) April 10, 2014
Still can't quite believe that Jim Flaherty has left us. The lyrical Irish spirit, gritty & gregarious, the fighter, the loyal friend. RIP.
— Jason Kenney (@kenneyjason) April 10, 2014
Saddened and shocked by news of Jim Flaherty's passing. Thoughts and prayers with his family. He was a decent man.
— Olivia Chow (@oliviachow) April 10, 2014
Devastated to hear news of my friend Jim Flaherty passing. My prayers go out to Christine Elliot & family. The Ford family is heart broken
— Mayor Rob Ford (@TOMayorFord) April 10, 2014
So deeply saddened by the sudden death of Jim Flaherty. A great man and such a loving father. One of a kind.
— Lisa LaFlamme (@LisaLaFlammeCTV) April 10, 2014
Terribly sad news that Jim Flaherty has died. Share condolences with Mr. Flaherty's family and other Canadians here: http://t.co/NYf5mnEPiN
— jian ghomeshi (@jianghomeshi) April 10, 2014
