Ottawa pays its respects
State funeral announced amid tributes in House of Commons
He loved his country and served it with a heart as big as the country itself. The gap he has left will not soon be filled.
KELLIE LEITCH LABOUR MINISTER AND FAMILY FRIEND
OTTAWA — Former federal finance minister Jim Flaherty will be honoured in death in a manner many colleagues say reflects his life: as a statesman.
The Prime Minister’s Office announced Friday that a state funeral would be held in Toronto next Wednesday.
State funerals usually are reserved for former and current prime ministers, governors general and sitting members of cabinet, but the honour can be given to any eminent Canadian if the prime minister so chooses.
“Jim was a great friend and colleague, a dedicated family man, and an extraordinary minister of finance who sacrificed an enormous amount in his years of service to Canada and to Canadians,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement. “He will be remembered with great affection and respect.”
Flaherty, 64, died at his Ottawa condo of an apparent heart attack, less than a month after resigning from cabinet to spend more time with his family and start a new career in the private sector. Labour Minister Kellie Leitch, a doctor and family friend, was present when he died and tried to revive him.
Flags on government buildings flew at half- mast Friday to honour Flaherty, who had been planning for life after politics, including an annual summer golf vacation to Ireland with some friends.
Flaherty had been the MP for Whitby- Oshawa since 2006 and was finance minister for eight years.
A book of condolences has been set up for the public in Parliament Hill’s Centre Block. Books also have been set up at many MPs’ constituency offices.
The Peace Tower carillon played Irish- themed songs Friday to honour Flaherty and his Irish roots, and Toronto’s CN Tower was to be lit green Friday night.
Flaherty leaves behind his wife, Christine Elliott — the deputy leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservatives — and their 23- year- old triplet sons, John, Galen and Quinn.
Leitch said Flaherty was in “fine form” at dinner the night before he died. She led the tributes Friday in the House of Commons.
With her voice breaking, Leitch described Flaherty’s “immense compassion” for the disabled and “unwavering commitment” to public service. She described how the man who wore green ties to celebrate his heritage “loved to kick back with a tall glass of Guinness as often as he could.”
Leitch said Flaherty’s can- do attitude and dedication to public service inspired her to run for office.
“His legacy is immense ... his service was overwhelming,” she said, at times fighting back tears.
“He loved his country and served it with a heart as big as the country itself. The gap he has left will not soon be filled.”
In a lighter vein, she said Flaherty once had canvassed for former Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in the late 1960s.
A note was left on Flaherty’s desk in the House of Commons, where business was suspended after the speeches.
“With Deepest Sympathy; You are and will always be missed and remembered,” said the note, which concluded with his full name and birth date: “James Michael Flaherty, December 30, 1949.”
NDP House leader Peter Julian and Liberal finance critic Scott Brison spoke on behalf of their parties. Green party Leader Elizabeth May also spoke. The leaders of the three main parties were not in the Commons.
Julian said Flaherty was “genuine, decent and kind.”
His death also serves as a “brutal reminder” that, despite partisan differences, politicians are human, have a lot in common and are trying to serve Canadians, Julian said.
Brison, wearing a green tie to honour Flaherty, a longtime friend, said they regularly sparred in the Commons, but away from the spotlight they had a “trusted and candid relationship.”
Flaherty’s biggest battle may have been Canada’s response to the global economic crisis, Brison said.
“He showed great international leadership in getting the job done.”