Parliamentary Relatives: New Brunswick’s Carr Brothers
With more than 34 years of parliamentary service combined, the Carr brothers are New Brunswick’s version of a political dynasty.
Jody was the first to enter provincial politics. He was just 23 years old when he won the seat for Oromocto-Gagetown in 1999 during Bernard Lord’s Progressive Conservative landslide. He held the riding for 19 years, serving as Minister for the departments of Education and Early Childhood Development and Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, before deciding not to re-offer in 2018. He is now a lawyer in Fredericton.
Jack joined his twin brother in the legislature when he won a seat for New Maryland-Sunbury West during a by-election in 2008. He credited his success largely to his brother’s support. “There are no limitations on Jody. I’d rather have him for me than against me,” Jack said at the time of his election. He served as an MLA for 6 years before exiting politics and starting a real estate business.
After Jack decided not to re-offer in 2014, Jeff, the twins’ older brother by 4 years, ran for election in the same riding and won. He was re-elected in 2018 and in 2020 under Premier Blaine Higgs and has held various ministerial positions. Prior to his role as MLA, Jeff was a small business owner, and spent many years assisting his brothers with their election campaigns.
Collaboration continues to be the mantra for Jody, Jack, and Jeff. During the height of the pandemic, they hosted a podcast and local tv show called “The Carr Brothers,” which discussed current events, politics, community events and business. They came up with the idea because they missed having such discussions in person.
Shannon Armstrong
Research Officer, Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick