It was less than a month ago that we reported on the surprise resignation of Canada's finance minister which while officially attributed to a wish to begin "another chapter" in his life, we said "there is rife speculation that it was indeed his health that was the reason for this unexpected resignation." Sadly, today it was proven that it was indeed Flaherty's health that had forced this surprising decision, following news that the former finance minister has passed away.

#Breaking news: Jim Flaherty, former Finance Minister, has died. Story to come pic.twitter.com/ukR1SmfAFN — The Globe and Mail (@globeandmail) April 10, 2014