Statement re: Ministers Flaherty and Oliver

OTTAWA, March 19, 2014 /CNW/ - On March 18, 2014, Jim Flaherty resigned as Canada's Minister of Finance. On March 19, 2014, Minister Joe Oliver was sworn in as his successor.

In response, David Koschitzky, Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement: 

"We extend our warmest wishes to the Honourable Jim Flaherty and congratulate him on his distinguished career of public service to Canadians. Mr. Flaherty has been a strong friend to Canada's Jewish community throughout his 19 years in elected office. As a member of the Ontario Legislature and cabinet minister, he supported many pieces of important legislation, including the Holocaust Memorial Day Act and the provision of tax credits for parents of students attending faith-based private schools. As Canada's Minister of Finance, he continued to be responsive to issues of concern to the Jewish community and all Canadians, for which he is respected across party lines and around the world. As Mr. Flaherty enters the next stage of his career, we thank him for his commitment and contribution to our great country and wish him good health and the very best for the future. 

"We heartily congratulate Joe Oliver on his appointment as Minister of Finance and wish him well as he undertakes his new responsibilities. We look forward to continuing to work with Minister Oliver on a range of issues of concern to Jewish and non-Jewish Canadians alike." 

As the non-partisan advocacy arm of the Jewish Federations of Canada, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) serves as the voice of the organized Canadian Jewish community.

SOURCE: Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs

Martin Sampson
Director of Communications
613-219-3500
[email protected]