Canada

Bill Blaikie, who served as NDP MP for nearly 30 years, dies

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WINNIPEG — Manitoba politician Invoice Blaikie, who spent almost 30 years as a member of Parliament with the federal New Democrats, has died.

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NDP Chief Jagmeet Singh, in a condolence message to Blaikie’s household, referred to as the previous MP a “big” within the get together.

“His unwavering dedication to social and financial justice, his legendary information of Parliament, and his sense of humour might be missed by all,” Singh posted to social media.

“Relaxation in energy Invoice.”

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Blaikie, an ordained United Church minister, additionally held a place as an adjunct professor in theology on the College of Winnipeg.

He was voted Parliamentarian of the Yr by his fellow MPs, due largely to his popularity as a tough employee who prevented partisan low cost photographs in debates.

In 2003, he misplaced his bid for management of the federal get together to Jack Layton in a contest that pitted Layton and the fashionable new left towards Blaikie and the normal, Prairie populist wing.

Blaikie completed his parliamentary profession as deputy Speaker of the Commons, explaining he retired from federal politics as a result of he didn’t wish to proceed commuting between Winnipeg and Ottawa.

His change to provincial politics caught many off guard, some get together insiders remarked on the time. He stated he sought the nomination after former Manitoba NDP premier Gary Doer requested him to contemplate it when a member of Doer’s caucus give up to run for Blaikie’s vacated federal seat.

Former NDP MP Pat Martin lauded Blaikie as the primary to lift the problem of local weather change within the Home of Commons again in 1983.

Manitoba NDP Chief Wab Kinew referred to as Blaikie a “lion” of the get together.

“He fought with ardour, intelligence and religion for working folks in Transcona and throughout the nation,” Kinew posted on Twitter.

“The Blaikie household has been so good to us, on behalf of our motion we ship you our deepest condolences.”



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