Keynote: Hon. James Flaherty. Jim Flaherty is a first-time Member of Parliament and was elected to the House of Commons in January, 2006 representing the riding of Whitby-Oshawa. On February 6, he was appointed Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for the Greater Toronto Area.

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, including Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance. He also served as Attorney General, Minister responsible for Native Affairs, Minister of Labour, Solicitor General, Minister of Correctional Services and Minister of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation.

Mr. Flaherty graduated from Princeton University and has a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. He was called to the Bar in 1975 and practiced law for more than 20 years before entering politics.

He and his wife, Christine Elliott, M.P.P. (Whitby-Ajax), reside in Whitby with their 17-year old triplet sons.