Ottawa, March 3, 2009
2009-021
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today issued the following statement conveying his respects on the passing of the Honourable Michael Baker, Minister of Finance for Nova Scotia:
"It is with deep regret that I today learned of Minister Baker’s passing following his long battle with cancer.
"I had the privilege of working with Minister Baker for a decade. Initially, our work was on justice issues when the Minister served as Attorney-General of Nova Scotia and I served in the same capacity in Ontario.
"Later, I had the good fortune to work with Michael, both in cooperation with Canada’s other Finance Ministers to address the collective challenges facing our nation, as well as directly in our efforts to secure a resolution to the longstanding Crown Share payment issue for the people of Nova Scotia.
"In all cases, Michael advanced the interests of Nova Scotia and Canada with the utmost respect for his constituents and colleagues, a profound appreciation for our parliamentary traditions, and a great sense of personal responsibility for securing his home province’s prosperity.
"His passing marks a tremendous loss for his family, his friends, his province, and our country."
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For further information, media may contact:
Chisholm Pothier
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
613-996-7861
Jack Aubry
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080
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