Remembering Jim Carr, MP, P.C., O.M
The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the Hon. Jim Carr, who died December 12. The Winnipeg South Centre member of Parliament – who professed his love for “every square metre of this country” — was a champion of the West, for Manitoba and a proud Canadian who believed in his country’s boundless potential.
His family has asked in his obituary that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Jim Carr Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation.
The former Manitoba MLA was first elected to Parliament in 2015 and re-elected in 2019. The day after his re-election he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and subsequently battled kidney failure.
“I had the great privilege of knowing and working with Jim Carr in his many roles literally for decades. Canada has lost a great Canadian, parliamentarian, a patriot who clearly loved Canada and the value propositions for which this country stands,” MHCA President Chair Lorenc said.
“There was never a prouder Canadian nor a more formidable champion for Manitoba. He represented our province and Western Canada’s interests with a fierce passion. And he did so by forming coalitions and making colleagues among disparate interests he brought to the table.”
Carr served as minister of natural resources and then minister of international trade diversification between 2015 and 2019. He stepped down from Cabinet to attend to his health but accepted a role as federal government’s special representative to the Prairies. In January, 2021, Carr returned to cabinet as minister without portfolio.
In a recent interview with the CBC regarding the passage of his bill, Building a Green Prairie Economy, in the House, he said he was not doing well physically but his spirit was strong.
The bill, he said, is intended to channel and amplify the voices of various peoples across the West as Canada charts its way into the new economy. In his characteristic forthright manner, Carr said the Liberal Party needs to redouble its efforts to ensure Western Canadians’ needs and interests are heard and responded to: “We (the party) have to show up more often but not empty handed,” he said.
“I’m a Prairie guy. I love the Prairies.”
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 17, at 11:00 a.m. at the Centennial Concert Hall.
