Flaherty funeral: live blog

Canada’s political elite gather on Wednesday to pay their final respects to Jim Flaherty, the former finance minister who died on April 10. Maclean's reporter Nick Taylor-Vaisey will live-blog from the ceremony. Live coverage will also be provided by reporters Cormac MacSweeney, Cynthia Mulligan and Kevin Misener.

3rd & 7 37yd

"We have lost a partner in politics, but you have lost a partner in life," says Harper, to Flaherty's family.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:13:47 PM
Harper says Flaherty was highly principled but ruthlessly pragmatic. Combative, but sympathetic. Hard-headed, but soft-hearted. A biting temper, but a gentle sense of humour.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:15:11 PM
"He often strode like a giant" on the world stage.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:15:22 PM
This is the program for the state funeral for Jim Flaherty #cdnpoli http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BlXahGwCQAAOlEm.jpg

by Cormac Mac Sweeney via twitter 4/16/2014 7:15:28 PM
He wasn't a contradictory person, says Harper, but "the whole package."

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:15:49 PM
"Liked by his enemies. That's something in this business. That's something I envy. I can't even get my friends to like me," says Harper, to laughter.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:16:20 PM
"No single figure in the life of this country has done more for the disabled," says Harper. He says the location of yesterday's visitation in Durham, the Abilities Centre, was dismissed by some as a pork-barrel project. But look at it now, he says. No one's saying that anymore.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:18:27 PM
Harper recalls their first meeting about Flaherty entering federal politics. At first, Harper says, Flaherty "was reticent" about the finance portfolio. "It wasn't long before he decided he'd never let go of it." More laughter.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:20:09 PM
"We WASPs sometimes define an Irishman as someone who may not know where he stands, but he always stands up to fight for it." More laughter. Harper's smiling broadly, in remembrance.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:20:48 PM
Harper now recalls Flaherty's role in the government's stimulus spending in the middle of the financial crisis of 2008-09.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:22:11 PM
Harper's undertaking a full-blown defence of Flaherty's political record during the financial crisis. "Today, in an uncertain world, Canada will have a balanced budget years ahead of others," and low taxes, and solid financial footing, Harper emphasizes. You'd almost expect to hear applause after a line like that.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:23:36 PM
Flaherty was interested in stepping down as early as 2010, Harper says. He wanted to earn more money and provide his family financial security. But he wouldn't step down until he'd contributed to a balanced federal budget.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:25:25 PM
The last couple of years were "sometimes hard to watch," says Harper, who adds that Flaherty was always on his game when need be.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:26:10 PM
Harper might just win points for his sense of humour in Jim Flaherty's eulogy. #cdnpoli

by leisamontreal via twitter 4/16/2014 7:27:41 PM
Harper pauses, gathers himself, and delivers a message to "the boys", as Flaherty called his three sons.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:29:19 PM
After his own father died 11 years ago, Harper reflected. "I came to appreciate my father's place in my life probably more fully and deeply than if he were still here. It was all good," he says. "You are no longer the boys. You're young men. Hold on to your mother. Hold on to your father's lessons."

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:30:15 PM
Impressed by Harper's tribute to Jim Flaherty. Showed some real warmth.

by Peggy Sweeney via twitter 4/16/2014 7:30:23 PM
Norah Flaherty, Jim's sister, speaks on behalf of all of her brothers and sisters. "I'm thinking now that Jimmy's looking down on me and thinking I have a tough act to follow."

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:31:38 PM
Flaherty was Jimmy, Jimbo, even Zoomie—though Norah can't explain that last nickname. To their mother, he was James (and, of course, "My Finance Minister"—no one else's).

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:32:53 PM
I always felt Jim #Flaherty was genuine and sincere, and a dedicated servant of Canada. Touching comments from @pmharper . Thanks, and RIP.

by David Forbes via twitter 4/16/2014 7:34:10 PM
Lovely, touching tribute from Stephen Harper at Jim Flaherty's state funeral; calls him "best finance minister per inch in the world."

by Lenska_1 via twitter 4/16/2014 7:34:13 PM
Simply one of the best speeches I have ever heard @pmharper give and it was an amazing tribute to Jim Flaherty. #cdnpoli

by StephenAdler via twitter 4/16/2014 7:35:26 PM
I must give a nod to @pmharper . That was a very touching eulogy for Jim Flaherty.

by LandinChambers via twitter 4/16/2014 7:35:47 PM
Norah Flaherty speaks about Jim the Brother, not Jim the Finance Minister.
Carolyn R Parsons
@CarolynRParsons
Flaherty's sister giving a very endearing speech.
Apr. 16, 2014
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by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:36:34 PM
Norah recalls a telling quote: "Sometimes life is just like hockey. If they hit you, you hit them back."

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:37:12 PM
Norah recalls Jim throwing out pennies because he thought they were worthless. "Somewhat prophetic," she quips.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:37:44 PM
Listening to Jim Flaherty's sister talk about her brother…I'm going to hold my own brother a little tighter in my heart today. #LoveYouScott

by Gotta_Be_K_D via twitter 4/16/2014 7:37:52 PM
Norah finishes, and takes her seat. Now, his wife, MPP Christine Elliott, and three sons take to the podium.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:39:05 PM
March 12, 1991 was the most important day in Flaherty's life, says his son, Quinn. That's when his three boys were born.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:39:49 PM
Quinn says friendship, family, faith, and love guide his family. "We'll take it from here," he concludes.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:41:34 PM
Galen is up next. Many people knew Flaherty by many names, but he was just Dad to the boys.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:42:11 PM
"As a kid, I would watch his every move, and sometimes I'd even listen to him." There are two Jims, he says: the relaxed version, and the slightly less relaxed version.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:42:52 PM
"He was a politician because he loves his country," says Quinn. "He was my father because he showed me what it takes to be a man."

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:44:01 PM
Christine Elliott speaks next. He was "driven, intense, a perfectionist."

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:44:28 PM
These Flaherty boys are pretty amazing.

by jfarhood via twitter 4/16/2014 7:45:55 PM
"Your father loved you completely. You were the centre of his universe," Christine tells her boys.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:46:31 PM
Christine Elliot tells her 3 sons, "your father loved you completely." #flaherty

by Roshni Murthy via twitter 4/16/2014 7:47:05 PM
"Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Everything is as it was." The opening lines of an Irish prayer Elliott recites.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:47:40 PM
Elliott concludes, and the family leaves the podium.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:48:47 PM
I dont know why i'm watching Jim Flaherty's funeral but it is the saddest thing I have ever seen

by emilywoodxox via twitter 4/16/2014 7:49:50 PM
Flaherty's friend, Labour Minister Kellie Leitch, now takes to a podium for a reading.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:56:14 PM
Leitch finishes, presses a hand to Flaherty's flag-draped casket, and takes a seat.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 7:59:08 PM
Read the full text of Harper's eulogy.

On behalf of a grateful country, we thank you.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 8:04:55 PM
Rev. Stoute: "His faith sustained him, informed his policies & carried him through the sacrifices he had to make..." #Flaherty

by ContextTV via twitter 4/16/2014 8:07:55 PM
I spent my lunch hour watching the state funeral for Jim Flaherty. Tears, smiles, contemplation. "Life means all that it ever meant."

by karinhedet via twitter 4/16/2014 8:13:22 PM
I've a habit of quoting the PM only in part, and usually to deride. Not today / Harper's eulogy for Flaherty thestar.com/news/canada/20… #cdnpoli

by joyandwoe via twitter 4/16/2014 8:15:12 PM
Watching state funeral for Jim Flaherty. Tributes we're all moving, especially from his wife and sons. St. James Cathedral choir excellent.

by Archbishop Roger via twitter 4/16/2014 8:40:08 PM
Listening to #Flaherty funeral is a reminder of singing at Pearson state funeral at Christ Church in #ottawa .

by ndianeallen via twitter 4/16/2014 8:40:23 PM
Beautiful church, beautiful service, beautiful words and beautiful song. What a lovely occasion and tribute to the late Jim Flaherty

by GinnyMovat via twitter 4/16/2014 8:40:25 PM
#Flaherty #cdnpoli http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BlXvPAmCIAE_p2_.jpg

by Carl Vallée via twitter 4/16/2014 8:47:30 PM
The public has lined the street in front of the church for Jim Flaherty's state funeral #cdnpoli http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BlXxA19CAAANm-R.jpg

by Cormac Mac Sweeney via twitter 4/16/2014 8:53:44 PM
Pallbearers now remove the flag from Flaherty's casket and fold it.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 8:56:52 PM
Harper accepts the flag and delivers it to Elliott, a few feet away.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 8:58:33 PM
#Flaherty leaving church for the final time http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BlXz58TCUAE5JRH.jpg

by Cynthia Mulligan via twitter 4/16/2014 9:06:22 PM
Jim Flaherty's casket being carried out of the church #cdnpoli http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BlX0qYLCUAEYsIf.jpg

by Cormac Mac Sweeney via twitter 4/16/2014 9:09:42 PM
Jim Flaherty's family following the state funeral #cdnpoli http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BlX03nZCcAEceP9.jpg

by Cormac Mac Sweeney via twitter 4/16/2014 9:10:35 PM
Mounties salute Flaherty's casket, now loaded into a waiting hearse.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 9:10:49 PM
MPP Christine Elliott leaving after her husbands funeral #Flaherty http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BlX1MhWCYAEQEDX.jpg

by Cynthia Mulligan via twitter 4/16/2014 9:12:01 PM
The state funeral has now concluded.

by Nick Taylor-Vaisey 4/16/2014 9:13:22 PM
#Flaherty funeral service is complete. The casket has been removed from the church after a touching final farewell http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BlX1s5yCIAA8Vhp.jpg

by Roshni Murthy via twitter 4/16/2014 9:14:21 PM
VIDEO: Jim #Flaherty state funeral held in #Toronto ow.ly/vS6aJ @rogerfpetersen @citycynthia

by CityNews via twitter retweeted by RyanTay00592412 4/16/2014 11:10:07 PM

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