OTTAWA -- Former finance minister Jim Flaherty died Thursday. Here is a sampling of the reaction to his death:

"Today is a very sad day for me, for our government and for all of our country. ... Jim will be sorely missed."

-- Prime Minister Stephen Harper

"We appreciate that he was so well supported in his public life by Canadians from coast to coast to coast and by his international colleagues."

-- Statement on behalf of Christine Elliott and her triplet sons, John, Galen and Quinn

"As minister of finance, Mr. Flaherty served his country with dedication and conviction, even as he faced mounting health challenges. As both a man and a politician, I will remember him for his pleasant demeanour and strength of character."

-- NDP Leader Tom Mulcair

"Jim was a dedicated parliamentarian with a strong social conscience and fundamentally committed to the ideal of public service. He was a proud Canadian and showed continued devotion and commitment to his country over many years. This is a loss to the entire family in the House of Commons."

-- Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau

"He was a man of character, that's a terrible loss for Canada. .... People will remember him as a great finance minister and a great Canadian."

-- British Columbia Premier Christy Clark

"Canada has a lost an extraordinary public servant -- a man who was respected across our country and around the world. ... On behalf of Canada's business leaders, I want to express our sincere condolences to his family. We are grateful for Jim Flaherty's many contributions to Canada and deeply saddened by his untimely passing."

-- John Manley, president and CEO of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives

"He was a rare partisan, able to extend a mischievous twinkle to a rejoinder in Question Period. He was a dedicated public servant and a genuinely kind man."

-- Federal Green Party Leader Elizabeth May and MP Bruce Hyer

"Devastated to hear news of my friend Jim Flaherty passing. My prayers go out to Christine Elliot & family. The Ford family is heart broken."

-- Tweet from Toronto Mayor Rob Ford

"I did have a relationship with Jim. It is very unfortunate that he passed. He provided a great public service. I only wish he had more time with his family since his retirement so very recently."

-- Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger

"Mr. Flaherty was a dedicated public servant for all Canadians, having served with distinction at the provincial and federal levels. The fact that he was Prime Minister Harper's only finance minister up until his resignation last month is a testament to Mr. Flaherty's talent and dedication. He truly exemplified what it means to be a public servant. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Flaherty's family."

-- Alberta Premier Dave Hancock