Liberal MP for Winnipeg South Center and former cabinet minister Jim Carr has died at the age of 71.
His colleague Kevin Lamoureux asked for a moment of silence in the House of Commons on Monday before question period. The parties then agreed to suspend proceedings for the rest of the day.
Jim Carr represented the riding of Winnipeg South Center for the Liberals since 2015, and served as Minister of Natural Resources and then Minister of International Trade Diversification between 2015 and 2019.
In 2019, the day after his re-election as an MP, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, and he underwent a stem cell transplant in 2020.
“Over the past three years, he has battled these diseases bravely and courageously with the incredible support of his staff, colleagues and loved ones,” Mr. Carr’s family said in a statement.
“As a dedicated elected official, business leader and community leader in Manitoba for over 30 years, Jim was loved and respected by so many and we know he will be deeply missed. »
Tributes poured in soon after news of his death was announced.
“As a neighboring MP, I know how dedicated Jim was to serving his constituents,” Leah Gazan, NDP MP for Winnipeg Center, tweeted.
“A life dedicated to public service and making a difference. Jim will be greatly missed,” said Nate Erskine-Smith, a Toronto-area Liberal MP.