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B.C. politicians mourn death of Jim Flaherty

B.C. politicians mourn the death of former federal finance minister Jim Flaherty
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Finance Minister Jim Flaherty speaks during a press conference in Ottawa on March 1

By The Canadian Press

VANCOUVER - Sorrow is being expressed across British Columbia over the sudden death of Canada's former finance minister Jim Flaherty, who has died at the age of 64.

Flaherty's family revealed the veteran Conservative politician, who resigned from politics just last month, died peacefully at his downtown Ottawa condo.

Premier Christy Clark says Flaherty had the difficult job of returning Canada to a balanced budget and he'll be remembered as a great Canadian and finance minister.

NDP leader Adrian Dix noted Flaherty also served with distinction in Ontario provincial politics.

Dan Brooks, a candidate for leadership of the BC Conservatives, says Flaherty should be remembered as a devoted family man who was married to his wife for a quarter-century and had three boys.

B.C. Conservative MP Cathy McLeod says Flaherty was respected on both sides of the House, and while there will be an opportunity to reflect on his many contributions in the coming days it's best now to express grief and support for his family.

(The Canadian Press, CFJC)