Friends, and even foes, described him as kind.
The Liberal member of
"As a dedicated elected official, business and community leader in
Winnipeg North MP
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,"
Tributes poured in soon after the announcement.
"Our team has lost a valued member, our country has lost a dedicated Parliamentarian, and so many of us have lost a close friend," read a message on Twitter from Prime Minister
"As a neighbouring MP, I know how dedicated Jim was to serving his constituents,"
"He was an honourable and kind man, steadfastly dedicated to the service of his country and his constituents," Conservative Leader
"I always admired his unfailing commitment to the betterment of
"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."
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
If the bill passes in the
"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
"My respect for
"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
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."
— with files from
This report by The Canadian Press was first published
© 2022 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved., source