Canada’s Finance Minister is going public about his health disorder.  Jim Flaherty has grown bloated and puffy and he’s gained a significant amount of weight.  He says he’s found himself fielding questions about his health and changes to his appearance.  People have asked if he has cancer and if he’s going to die.  63 year old Flaherty tells the Globe and Mail, he has  “bullous pemphigoid”, but he insists neither the disorder nor the medication undermines his ability to do his job as federal treasurer and MP for Whitby-Oshawa.  Pemphigoid is a rare blistering skin disorder that can produce lesions on parts of the body.  Jim Flaherty is being treated with prednisone, which is a strong steroid.  He said he developed the condition a year ago after knee surgery.  It was soon after the dermatological condition developed.  The minister says he’s not making plans to retire just yet.  He says he wants to stay on until the federal budget is balanced again.