McLeod praises outgoing finance minister

NEWS — Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod praised outgoing federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty today as a man whose legacy goes beyond his handling of the country’s books.

“Lesser known but important legacy of Minister Flaherty is his tremendous support for those with disabilities and their families,” McLeod wrote on Twitter.

She also retweeted a comment that Flaherty was “the best finance minister in the world and a good friend, wishing all the best.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper tweeted his own thank-you to Flaherty — “the best Finance Minister in the world — for your years of dedicated service to Canadians.”

Those assessments of the departing minister were consistent with the general reaction from political friends and foes after his resignation was announced this afternoon.

Opposition leader Tom Mulcair and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau both thanked him for his two decades of public service.

Flaherty said he will return to the private sector. “This was a decision I made with my family earlier this year, as I will be returning to the private sector,” he said in a statement released after stock markets closed.

He said his resignation is not linked to recent health problems. “This decision was made because it is the right one for me and my family at this time.”

Harper is expected to announce a replacement Wednesday.