Close X
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
ADVT 
National

Winnipeg MP Jim Carr dies after long illness

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 12 Dec, 2022 02:56 PM
  • Winnipeg MP Jim Carr dies after long illness

WINNIPEG - Jim Carr earned a reputation as a civil, contemplative politician in an increasingly polarized world.

Friends, and even foes, described him as kind.

The Liberal member of Parliament from Winnipeg and former cabinet minister died, his family announced Monday. He was 71.

"As a dedicated elected official, business and community leader in Manitoba for over 30 years, Jim was loved and respected by so many and we know he will be profoundly missed," Carr's family said in a written statement.

Winnipeg North MP Kevin Lamoureux asked the House of Commons for a moment of silence before question period. The parties then agreed to suspend the House for the rest of the day.

Carr had represented the riding of Winnipeg South Centre since 2015.

He served as minister of natural resources, then minister of international trade diversification between 2015 and 2019.

In 2019, the day after being re-elected as an MP, he was diagnosed with the blood cancer multiple myeloma. He underwent a stem cell transplant in 2020.

"Over the past three years, he fought these diseases bravely and courageously with the incredible support of his staff, colleagues and loved ones," Carr's family said.

Tributes poured in soon after the announcement.

"Prime Minsiter Justin Trudeau expressed his sadness and offered his condolances via Twitter

"As a neighbouring MP, I know how dedicated Jim was to serving his constituents," Leah Gazan, the New Democrat MP for Winnipeg Centre, posted.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre tweeted about his time in office.

Heather Stefanson, Manitoba's Progressive Conservative premier recalled working with Carr on many projects over the years.

"I always admired his unfailing commitment to the betterment of Winnipeg, Manitoba and Canada," Stefanson said.

Jeff Kovalik-Plouffe, who managed some of Carr's election campaigns and worked with him as an adviser for many years, said Carr cared more about results than scoring partisan political points.

"He didn't take a hard stance on anything. He would listen to people … and wanted to hear different points of view before he made decisions," Kovalik-Plouffe said in an interview.

"For whatever persona he gave off publicly, he was a thousand times kinder, wiser, (more) respectful and loving as you could hope for in someone you work with."

Carr's last vote in the House of Commons was to approve the implementation bill for the fall fiscal update.

That came a day after the passage of his own private member's bill on Wednesday. The bill would require the minister responsible for economic development on the Prairies — currently Manitoba MP Dan Vandal — to develop a framework to "build a green economy" in the region.

If the bill passes in the Senate, Vandal would be required to come up with a plan within a year of it becoming law.

"I want to start by expressing some deeply held emotion. I love this country, every square metre of it, in English, in French, in Indigenous languages and in the languages of the newly arrived," Carr said in a speech Tuesday.

While the speech was ostensibly about the bill, he added some reflections on the state of Canada's democracy.

"My respect for Parliament has grown by leaps and bounds. The wisdom of inviting witnesses to add thoughtful commentary and an opposition that has been respectful though occasionally dissenting are what a democracy is all about, and it is always rooted in strengthening the national fabric, woven as it is from those mini threads that make Canada the envy of the world," he said.

"With resources, natural and human, comes responsibility to each other and to the world itself. How could we not be humbled by the greatness of this magnificent country?"

Carr was first elected to the Manitoba legislature in 1988. Ten years later, he became president and chief executive officer of the Business Council of Manitoba.

In 2014, he was touted as a star candidate by Trudeau. After being elected, he was given the natural resources cabinet portfolio. His ability to build relationships saw him switched to international trade diversification.

"He put his heart and soul into his job," Kovalik-Plouffe said.

"He understood that even though you might not have voted for him, he still represented you."

MORE National ARTICLES

Pilot project signals progress in Nexus impasse

Pilot project signals progress in Nexus impasse
The Canada Border Services Agency says the two countries are exploring "shorter-term measures" to shrink a backlog of applications. At the Thousand Islands crossing between Ontario and New York, in-person Nexus interviews are being conducted separately by U.S. and Canadian agents on opposite sides of the border.

Pilot project signals progress in Nexus impasse

Vancouver council votes on promised police, nurses

Vancouver council votes on promised police, nurses
The idea, which is expected to cost a total of $20 million a year, has already received significant criticism from more than two dozen people speaking against the motion at an earlier meeting.

Vancouver council votes on promised police, nurses

Prince Rupert, B.C., shooting suspect dies

Prince Rupert, B.C., shooting suspect dies
A statement from the Prince Rupert detachment says the 44-year-old man had been in critical condition following the attack on the unnamed woman at a local mall early Monday. The 52-year-old victim died before she could be taken to hospital.

Prince Rupert, B.C., shooting suspect dies

Seven B.C. commercial poultry flocks have bird flu

Seven B.C. commercial poultry flocks have bird flu
Six of the farms are in Abbotsford and one is in Chilliwack, in the Fraser Valley, the same area where more than 17 million birds were culled in 2004 when avian flu swept through numerous farms. The ministry says producers within a 10-kilometre radius have been notified and all infected farms have been placed under quarantine by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Seven B.C. commercial poultry flocks have bird flu

Indecent act near Burnsview Secondary School: Delta Police

Indecent act near Burnsview Secondary School: Delta Police
Via release, the suspect is described as a South Asian or dark-skinned male, 25-30 years old with a short beard, large nose, large lips, and approximately 5'8” to 6’ tall. He was wearing a black puffer jacket, red t-shirt, black jeans, black shoes, black toque with a brown bobble on top, and with Airpods in his ears.  

Indecent act near Burnsview Secondary School: Delta Police

B.C. to bring in housing supply, rental changes

B.C. to bring in housing supply, rental changes
Premier David Eby, who was sworn in on Friday, says housing is one of the most critical issues that he will immediately address. The legislation includes provisions that allow the province to force municipal compliance, although the government says it doesn't expect that will be necessary for communities facing a housing crisis.

B.C. to bring in housing supply, rental changes