“It was with great sadness that yesterday I learned of the sudden passing of Jim Flaherty. My thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s wife Christine, and his sons Quinn, Galen and John. Jim will be sorely missed, by me and many others. His passing is made all the more difficult because, looking back, it seems as though he had an ‘unfinished life.’ After giving so many years of service to his province, his country and others, we mourn the fact that he was not able to enjoy the coming phase of his life where he would have been able to slow down and spend more time with his wife and sons. I will remember with fondness many things about Jim Flaherty, including his wit and broad Irish smile. Ever present was his Irish combativeness, but it was always tempered with good humour, evidenced in his barbs and self-deprecation in Question Period. Above all, however, I will remember his dedication to his job in public service and to his family. Thank you, Jim. We’ll miss you.” – Hon. Laurie Hawn, PC, CD, MP