Winnipeg city councillor Jason Schreyer has died

Coun. Jason Schreyer has died suddenly at the age of 57. CTV’s Jeff Keele has more on his life and legacy

Winnipeg city councillor Jason Schreyer has died.

A city news release confirmed his death Wednesday morning, but no further details as to the cause of his death were released.

Schreyer served as councillor for Elmwood–East Kildonan since he was first elected in 2014.

He was 57 years old.

“He is absolutely going to be deeply missed. We are going to be doing all we can to honour his legacy,” Mayor Scott Gillingham said at a news conference Wednesday.

Gillingham said he received the devastating news late Tuesday.

“Our council is shocked to hear of his death and on behalf of all of city council, we extend our deepest condolences to Coun. Schreyer’s wife Sarah and family.”

Gillingham said Schreyer came from a ‘proud tradition’ of public service, as his father, Ed Schreyer, served as former Premier of Manitoba and Governor General.

Schreyer carried on that tradition, bringing a strong voice and passionate advocacy to the council chambers. Gillingham said Schreyer was always focused on affordability, most recently working on food security initiatives for his ward residents.

“Outside of city hall, he was fun. A lot of fun, creative… he was often the first one to grab a mic at karaoke and sing—and he could sing. He had a great voice,” Gillingham said.

‘Jason’s legacy will live on’

This comes as a Winnipeg city council meeting was cut short Wednesday. Several city councillors were in tears following an opening prayer given by Coun. Shawn Dobson (St. James).

A visibly emotional Mayor Gillingham then stood up, his voice breaking at times, and requested the meeting be adjourned to Friday. Gillingham said he met with council after that meeting in his office.

“We talked about Jason. We laughed. We cried. Some told some good stories. We just really, we want to honour our colleague,” he said.

In a Facebook post, Coun. Cindy Gilroy (Daniel McIntyre) described Schreyer as a kind, thoughtful, and dedicated public servant who gave himself to the people of his riding.

He was always guided by his strong sense of purpose and the legacy of his father, the post said.

“He was always listening, always thinking—and always speaking with pride about his incredible community. His love of music, family, his community, and our city was woven into everything he did,” Gilroy wrote.

“Jason’s legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and the city he loved.”

Coun. Dobson told reporters council is still in shock over Schreyer’s sudden death.

“We’re devastated. I can’t imagine having a council without Jason there.”

Dobson described his late colleague as someone who brought a lot of energy to city hall.

Outside of council chambers, he loved to sing and dance.

“He was just an all-around great person, and we’re all going to miss him.”

Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface) said he cried when he got the news Tuesday night. He knew Schreyer’s family and is particularly thinking of his son who went to school with Allard’s daughter.

“It’s just too young and not expected. He seemed perfectly healthy and now he’s gone.”

Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital) shared fond memories of visiting high schools with Schreyer to compete in Reach for the Top games with students, having just faced off at St. Paul’s High School a few weeks back.

“He just loved it, and he was really good at it. He was a smart dude,” Mayes said.

He wants to honour Schreyer by holding another game at Miles Macdonell Collegiate – a school he had a special connection to.

Schreyer will be remembered for his insights into energy issues and his push to replace the Louise Bridge, Mayes said.

“It’s a difficult day here and I think everyone is still reeling from it.”

Coun. Ross Easie (Mynarski) was not up to an interview but told CTV News Winnipeg Schreyer was his best friend and his death hurts deeply.

Flags at city hall will be lowered to half-mast in his honour.

Gillingham said his office has committed resources to help Schreyer’s executive assistant continue the work of his ward office. He said details regarding a byelection will be released in the coming weeks.