Local members of parliament say they’re surprised and saddened to learn of the sudden death of a former House colleague.
MP John Rafferty (NDP, Thunder Bay-Rainy River) said news about the death of former finance minister Jim Flaherty spread through the House of Commons just after MPs were making statements.
"It's a surprise and a shock to all of us," Rafferty said as he mourned with colleagues on the Hill.
Flaherty will be remembered as a man who loved his country and showed it through his dedication in office.
"Our politics weren't the same but boy you can't discount all of those years of public service that he put in," Rafferty said.
"We're all saddened by the loss."
The two MPs used to laugh together as confusing the names John Rafferty and Jim Flaherty was common in Ottawa Rafferty said.
When he resigned, Flaherty had told colleagues he was looking forward to taking it easy and spending time with family.
Rafferty said it's unfortunate how little time Flaherty had to do that.
"It's a terrible loss for Canada and a terrible loss for Jim's family," he said.
Hyer said it was hard to see Flaherty's health deteriorate and watch him in pain during his final days on the Hill. His thoughts are with Flaherty's friends and family.
"Mr. Flaherty was certainly a one-man institution he's had profound and very long lasting impacts on Ontario and all of canada albeit in different directions than I would have preferred."
