Jim Carr, a Winnipeg MP and a former Liberal cabinet minister, has passed away a battle with cancer. He was aged 71.
His death was announced by his family in a statement on his Twitter account.
“Over the past three years, he fought these diseases bravely and courageously with the incredible support of his staff, colleagues and loved ones,” the statement reads.
“Working with his fellow members of Parliament across the country over the past few months on this important legislation filled him with energy and kept his spirits high,” the family wrote.
“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, who had represented Winnipeg South Centre since 2015, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma — a type of blood cancer — the day after he was re-elected on Oct. 21, 2019. He also battled kidney failure.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid his respects to Carr on Twitter.
His death was announced in the House of Commons by fellow Winnipeg MP Kevin Lamoureux, who asked for a moment of silence and a prayer.
“I always admired his unfailing commitment to the betterment of Winnipeg, Manitoba and Canada,” tweeted Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson.
Dougald Lamont, leader of Manitoba’s Liberal party, posted a tribute on Twitter Monday.
“He worked tirelessly for Manitoba until his last days,” Lamont said, passing along his condolences to Carr’s family. “A true loss.”
Carr served in two high-profile roles before taking a step back following his diagnosis.
He first sat at the cabinet table as natural resources minister and helped to oversee the government’s $4.5-billion purchase of the Trans Mountain pipeline.
Carr was then given the international trade portfolio in the summer of 2018. As the NAFTA negotiations raged on, he was given the task of diversifying Canada’s trade partnerships beyond the United States.
