MONTRÉAL, April 10, 2014 /CNW/ - It is with deep sadness that I learned of the death of Mr. Jim Flaherty. I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Flaherty on several major files for Quebec. We both decided to make substantial investments in infrastructure projects and assist businesses in order to support employment during the worst economic crisis in modern history.
Mr. Flaherty went on to become the architect of the federal government's plan to return to a balanced budget. It takes a tremendous amount of determination to successfully implement a program that not everyone is going to be happy about.
He also played a major role on the international stage.
Jim Flaherty was a pragmatist who was able to move beyond ideology and partisanship in order to work in the best interests of Canadians. He cared passionately about Canada's economic well-being.
On many files, such as sales tax harmonization and the future of pension plans, Mr. Flaherty's involvement was critical to success. Even when we disagreed (as in the case of the federal government's project to establish a single securities commission), Mr. Flaherty—ever courteous, quick of wit and a man who held his family close to his heart—was always a pleasure to work with.
Raymond Bachand
Strategic Advisor, Norton Rose Fulbright
Minister of Finance for Quebec from 2009 to 2012
SOURCE: Raymond Bachand
Monsieur Bachand | 514-847-4786 | [email protected]
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