Canada Mourns Jim Flahertys Death[/b]
A gallery of political luminaries from all sides of the partisan divide gathered at a cavernous Toronto cathedral Wednesday to set aside their differences and pay final respects to former finance minister Jim Flaherty.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered the eulogy at St. James Cathedral for former finance minister Jim Flaherty. In a personal tribute, Harper described his longtime confidante and political lieutenant as a principled and pragmatic man who was also by turns combative and kind. He said Flaherty was as much soft-hearted as he was known for being hard-headed. Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and former prime ministers Brian Mulroney, Kim Campbell and John Turner were among those on hand, as were various federal cabinet ministers, including John Baird, Peter MacKay and Chris Alexander. At one point, Mulroney and Turner, famous political rivals, were seen to exchange smiles and nods.
A host of familiar faces from the Ontario legislature former premier Ernie Eves and Conservative Leader Tim Hudak among them were also present. Before the proceedings got underway, a choir assembled behind the altar and an organist filled the chamber with hymnal music as mourners awaited the arrival of the cortege carrying Flaherty's casket. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen were scheduled to attend, as is Gov. Gen. David Johnston. The entire federal Conservative caucus was invited, as well as all current provincial premiers and finance ministers, as well as living former prime ministers and governors general. Large white tents were erected on the lawn of the cathedral. Across the street from the church, a phalanx of TV cameras documented the arrival of family, friends and dignitaries. Onlookers began gathering several hours before the ceremony was scheduled to begin. One man had his patriotism on full display, wearing a white jacket adorned with a red maple leaf and clutching a Canadian flag. The busy downtown Toronto streets surrounding the church were closed to all vehicular traffic, except for streetcars.
The ceremonial journey of the casket began in Whitby, Ontario, and proceeded along Highway 401, down the Don Valley Parkway and through downtown Toronto before its scheduled arrival at the church just before 3 p.m. ET. Flaherty's death, which came less than a month after his retirement as minister, sent shock waves through the national capital, where flags have been flying at half-mast and the Peace Tower has been bathed in green light, a tribute to his Irish heritage
Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered the eulogy at St. James Cathedral for former finance minister Jim Flaherty. In a personal tribute, Harper described his longtime confidante and political lieutenant as a principled and pragmatic man who was also by turns combative and kind. He said Flaherty was as much soft-hearted as he was known for being hard-headed. Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and former prime ministers Brian Mulroney, Kim Campbell and John Turner were among those on hand, as were various federal cabinet ministers, including John Baird, Peter MacKay and Chris Alexander. At one point, Mulroney and Turner, famous political rivals, were seen to exchange smiles and nods.
A host of familiar faces from the Ontario legislature former premier Ernie Eves and Conservative Leader Tim Hudak among them were also present. Before the proceedings got underway, a choir assembled behind the altar and an organist filled the chamber with hymnal music as mourners awaited the arrival of the cortege carrying Flaherty's casket. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen were scheduled to attend, as is Gov. Gen. David Johnston. The entire federal Conservative caucus was invited, as well as all current provincial premiers and finance ministers, as well as living former prime ministers and governors general. Large white tents were erected on the lawn of the cathedral. Across the street from the church, a phalanx of TV cameras documented the arrival of family, friends and dignitaries. Onlookers began gathering several hours before the ceremony was scheduled to begin. One man had his patriotism on full display, wearing a white jacket adorned with a red maple leaf and clutching a Canadian flag. The busy downtown Toronto streets surrounding the church were closed to all vehicular traffic, except for streetcars.
The ceremonial journey of the casket began in Whitby, Ontario, and proceeded along Highway 401, down the Don Valley Parkway and through downtown Toronto before its scheduled arrival at the church just before 3 p.m. ET. Flaherty's death, which came less than a month after his retirement as minister, sent shock waves through the national capital, where flags have been flying at half-mast and the Peace Tower has been bathed in green light, a tribute to his Irish heritage