Now that Jim Flaherty has unveiled his eighth federal budget, there is talk in the halls of Parliament Hill that the finance minister might shortly announce his retirement to focus on his health woes.
Since Flaherty reluctantly revealed at the end of January that he had been suffering from a painful autoimmune skin condition called bullous pemphigoid, some have wondered whether he would step down from his post.
The 63-year-old minister’s office quashed that speculation by issuing a statement the day he announced his diagnosis to say his condition and treatment “in no way” impacted his “ability to do his job.”
Nevertheless, with Flaherty looking both bloated and tired at times in recent months, the rumours have continued.
On Thursday evening, shortly after Flaherty tabled the budget, CTV News Chief Anchor Lisa LaFlamme addressed the speculation, asking the minister if he could eliminate the federal deficit as promised, would he retire happy?
“I would be happy,” Flaherty responded with a laugh. “I’d have to think about that if it happens. That’s a couple of years away yet.”
LaFlamme then asked him more directly whether he was planning “to stick around.” Flaherty responded: “Yes, so far, I’m sticking around. I like my job. I’ve been at it for a long time.”
The minister then appeared to become emotional for a moment when LaFlamme mentioned his health issues. “So many Canadians are concerned. Glad to see you well tonight,” she said.
Flaherty’s eyes appeared to well up with tears as he looked down at his hands. “Thank-you,” he responded, looking up at the camera with a smile.
Flaherty has been in treatment for his condition for several months, though he hasn’t provided any update on his condition since the January announcement.
At the time, he said he would have preferred to keep his health private, but felt compelled to come forward because the condition and the treatment had caused his face to redden and swell.
Flaherty said in January he was being treated with the prednisone, a powerful oral steroid, which doesn’t cure the condition but does help keep its symptoms under control.
The steroid can cause side effects other than weight gain, including difficulty in sleeping and anxiety.
Flaherty is planning to head to Vancouver Friday to deliver a speech to a business audience before leaving on a trade missions in Hong Kong and Thailand.
On Thursday, Flaherty defended his plans to leave the country so soon after tabling the budget. He said he always goes to a Canadian financial centre and a global financial centre after a budget.
CTV News’ Chief Political Correspondent Craig Oliver says Flaherty’s decision not to stay on Parliament Hill for the inevitable post-budget debates likely reflects Flaherty’s desire not to overfill his days.
“I think what the minister is trying to do is ease up on, just a little, on his schedule,” Oliver told Canada AM Friday morning.
“I saw him at a post-budget party last night, and he was cheerful and upbeat and he looked fine. I think he just has to look after himself a little more. “
