Newly re-elected MP Jim Carr diagnosed with blood cancer

A Winnipeg Member of Parliament has announced he’s been diagnosed with a type of blood cancer, only days after he was re-elected.

Jim Carr (Winnipeg South Centre) said in a statement that he was sent to Health Sciences Centre on election night after his doctor had concerns about routine blood work.

“On Tuesday, I underwent further tests, which led to a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer,” he said.

“This has also affected my kidney function. I have begun chemotherapy and dialysis treatment, which will continue for the near future.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This has also affected my kidney function. I have begun chemotherapy and dialysis treatment, which will continue for the near future."

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Carr said his constituency office will remain open, and that he’s in high spirits despite the diagnosis.

“I spoke to the Prime Minister and reiterated my commitment to continue serving my constituents and all Canadians,” he said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I spoke to the Prime Minister and reiterated my commitment to continue serving my constituents and all Canadians," he said.

Carr, 68, currently serves as Minister of International Trade Diversification in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet.

Prior to winning his seat as MP in 2015, Carr had served in the Manitoba Legislature as a Liberal MLA from 1988-1992.

1:03 Federal election 2019: Jim Carr says back-to-back majority governments are rare