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The Honourable James Michael Flaherty

Minister of Finance

Whitby–Oshawa (Ontario)


Jim Flaherty is a first-time Member of Parliament and was elected to the House of Commons in 2006.

Mr. Flaherty served as a Member of Ontario’s provincial legislature for the constituency of Whitby–Ajax from 1995 to 2005. During this period, he held a number of posts. Under Premier Eves, he served as the Minister of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation. Under Premier Harris, Mr. Flaherty was the Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, Attorney General, Minister responsible for Native Affairs, Minister of Labour and Solicitor General, and Minister of Correctional Services. Most recently, as a member of the provincial opposition, he was Critic for Public Infrastructure Renewal. 

Mr. Flaherty graduated from Princeton University and has a law degree from Osgoode Law School. He was called to the Bar in 1975 and practised law for more than 20 years before entering politics. He is the past president of the Head Injury Association of the Durham region. 

Mr. Flaherty is married to Christine and they have triplet sons.