WINNIPEG — Jim Carr says he’s ready.
Carr, a third-generation Winnipegger who often notes that his Russian Jewish grandparents came to Canada a century ago, took almost 60 per cent of the vote in Winnipeg South Centre Oct. 19, handily defeating incumbent Tory MP Joyce Bateman, who got about 30 per cent of votes cast.
“The people of Canada have said that they are ready for change, the voters in Winnipeg South Centre have said that they are ready for change and I am ready to be the MP for Winnipeg South Centre,” he said in his victory speech.
“What a victory this has been for Justin Trudeau and the Liberal party! The map of Canada is red, red, red! In just a few short years, Justin Trudeau has led us back from the wilderness to form a majority government, and he did it with a positive message of hope.”
He said that under Trudeau’s leadership, he’s looking forward to the restoration of civil discourse in Canada and he predicted the new prime minister will re-institute regular meetings with the premiers.
Carr was a strong contender for the seat. He began his professional life as a musician, playing oboe for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra before leaving for McGill University.
Since returning to Winnipeg, Carr has worn many high-profile hats, among them being a lone Liberal member of the Manitoba legislature, editorial writer and columnist for the Winnipeg Free Press, spokesperson for the University of Winnipeg, and president and CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba.
In 2011, Carr was awarded the Order of Manitoba, the province’s highest honour for his contributions to his home community.
Coming from the West as one of three Jews in the Liberal caucus (as well as all of Parliament), and considering his credentials, Carr could be in line for a cabinet post in the new government. A reporter asked him if he expects that, and he responded that he harbours no such expectation.
“My goal was to be elected the member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre,” he said. “My focus will be serving my constituents.”
In his victory speech, he also thanked his team of 400 volunteers, singling out one in particular – 85-year-old Janice Kaminsky – who, Carr said, put up 800 campaign signs during the campaign.
Carr said Winnipeg South Centre is a microcosm of Canada.
“Going door to door over the past two years, I have met people from all over the world – people like my grandparents who came here from Russia over 100 years ago, seeking a better life – and I have heard all of their stories. We are a generous nation with tolerance for all.”
In recapturing Winnipeg South Centre, he has restored the Liberal brand to a constituency that had traditionally voted Liberal since its reconstitution in 1988. The riding – home to about 70 per cent of Winnipeg’s Jewish population – was represented by former Liberal cabinet minister Lloyd Axworthy from 1988 to 2000.
Axworthy was foreign minister under former prime minister Jean Chrétien and later served as president and vice-chancellor of the University of Winnipeg.
Axworthy was succeeded by Anita Neville (who, like Carr, is Jewish). She served from 2000 to 2011 and was edged out in her bid for re-election by Bateman who won the seat by less than 1,000 votes.
In his remarks, Carr said Bateman had called him and graciously conceded defeat.
