OTTAWA — Liberal cabinet minister Jim Carr says he’s been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
The Winnipeg South Centre MP was re-elected Monday. In a statement, Carr, 68, explained he went to the hospital that evening after experiencing “flu-like symptoms” for weeks and underwent tests the next day. He shared the cancer diagnosis news Friday, saying he has started chemotherapy and dialysis treatment.
“This has also affected my kidney function,” he said, and thanked staff at the Winnipeg hospital where he’s receiving treatment.
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that originates in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. It’s typically found in the bone marrow, and buildup can disrupt how other blood cells function in the same area.
It affects more men than women, and the risk increases with age.
“I am feeling well, my spirits are high,” read the statement from the international trade and diversification minister. “I spoke to the prime minister and reiterated my commitment to continue serving my constituents and all Canadians.”
Prior to jumping into federal politics in 2015, the Winnipeg-born business leader wore multiple hats as a musician, editorial and columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press, and a member of the legislative assembly in Manitoba.
Watch: Federal ministers Bibeau and Carr respond to China’s ban on meat imports. Story continues below video.
He was among the first members named to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet, initially serving as natural resources minister. He held that position until July 2018 when he was shuffled to international trade diversification.
The electoral map in Winnipeg changed Monday after the Liberals won four of the city’s eight seats. It’s a slip compared to the results of the 2015 election, when the Liberals when the Liberals won seven ridings in the Winnipeg-area.
Carr was able to keep his seat, but Liberal incumbent Robert-Falcon Ouellette was defeated by an NDP challenger, while MaryAnn Mihychuk and Doug Eyolfson were ousted by Conservatives.