[View the story "Reaction: Jim Flaherty resigns as finance minister" on Storify ]Reaction: Jim Flaherty resigns as finance minister Canadians were shocked to learn of Jim Flaherty's resignation as finance minister from Prime Minister Stephen Harper's cabinet, announced at around 4 p.m. Tuesday. Here is a roundup of reaction from Twitter. Storified by CTVNews.ca · Tue, Mar 18 2014 14:45:21
FULL STORY: Finance Minister Jim Flaherty resigns http://t.co/JIIW0jCdlH #cdnpoliCTV News
It has been an honour to serve Canada. Thank you for the opportunity. http://t.co/vIbBNgT0wYJim Flaherty
Thank you @JimFlaherty - the best Finance Minister in the world - for your years of dedicated service to Canadians. #cdnpoliStephen Harper
Flaherty: I am on the road to a full recovery and the decision to leave politics was not related in any way to my health. #cdnpoliOmar Sachedina
Immediately, Twitter users expressed their shock:
Jim Flaherty resigned... didn't see that coming??Nat Smith
My jaw literally dropped re: FlahertyLiz Reimer
Jim Flaherty resigns. Wow.Stephen Taylor
Wow Jim Flaherty quit. Interesting. #cdnpoliErin
Whoa, C$ way down on Flaherty's resignation.Philip Quick
Many praised his track record as an MP and finance minister:
Kudos to Jim Flaherty for all he's done & best for his next move. Left, centre or right no one can dispute his commitment to public service.Derek Nighbor
That is really all I can say about Flaherty's resignation. One of the country's best MP's and a great finance minister. #cdnpoli #cpcTNorris
Jim Flaherty resigns his post as finance minister. Leaves the country's books in a great position almost balanced. Well done. #tipofthehatRay Smiley
Thank you Jim Flaherty for your legacy of leadership. #cdnpoli #cpc #roft #QuickPostWalter Robinson
Remembering how #flaherty spoke of the budget, I thought he made it seem like it was one of his final major acts as minister #canpoliAlexandria Mitchell
Jim Flaherty the best finance minister Canada has seen for long time retires..not a good thing for the ConservativesHJ Klassen
Others, however, were happy to hear of his resignation:
Jim #Flaherty was the worst Finance Minister Canada ever had. Harper the failed economist used him to push an anti-social agenda. #cdnpoliDanno
Good bye mr. Flaherty. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. #getoutDGWv2.1
See ya later Jim Flaherty. I will NOT be missing you. #cdnpoIiKatie Winstanley
Some people were wondering if his health issues were to blame, despite his statement saying otherwise:
Hoping Jim Flaherty's resignation doesn't mean we're about to get bad news about his health.Craig Needles
Huh. Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has resigned. Continued health concerns?aaron
Meanwhile, several users wondered if there was more to his resignation than just an opportunity in the private sector:
#flaherty quitting while he's ahead! Smart move! #cndpseTara Audel
Flaherty has wisely jumped off the Titanic that is the Harper government #cdnpoIiDaniela Aum
Does Jim Flaherty see a bus coming? #cdnpoliJulie Wright
Others wondered if the rift over income splitting was a factor:
A bit shocked by the Flaherty announcement - is it over the income splitting debate? #financegeekKatie O'Dell
So...income splitting? Is that still a thing? #FlahertyJake Reid
Surprised to see Flaherty step down. If it's not about his health (and he claims it isn't), must be income-splitting, no? #cdnpoliJack Sullivan
"You know what Stephen, I've had it up to here with you and these income-splitting shenanigans" -Flaherty, yesterday, after a few GuinnessesLuke Kawa
Speculation turned to who will replace Flaherty in Harper's cabinet:
@RobertFife predicts top candidates to replace @JimFlaherty 1. @HonJohnBaird 2. @joeoliver1 3. @TonyclementCPCAmber Kanwar
Who will replace Flaherty as Finance Minister? #cdnpoliNathan Liewicki
With Jim Flaherty resigning as Finance Minister, who will @pmharper appoint tomorrow? Quietly hoping that my MP, Lisa Raitt fills the voidBrett Noiles
Some users did poke fun at Flaherty's shoe-shopping traditions:
Guess Jim Flaherty has all the shoes he needs? #cdnpoliJacob Serebrin
Now that Jim Flaherty has resigned, who is Canada going to go shoe shopping with??Liz Da Ponte
