Popular councillor passionate about people, performing away from city hall

Coun. Jason Schreyer was a man of many songs, with a great desire to sing them.

On Wednesday, several political colleagues remembered the late Elmwood-East Kildonan councillor’s eagerness to grab a microphone and belt out a tune, sometimes in more than one language.

“He was such a great dancer, great singer and such a great spirit. I was blown away at the talent he had,” said Coun. Vivian Santos.

IAN MCCAUSLAND PHOTO

Councillors Jason Schreyer and Ross Eadie ride a tandem bike together.

Santos (Point Douglas) fondly recalled performing in a karaoke trio with Schreyer and Coun. Ross Eadie at a Federation of Canadian Municipalities event, where the group took the stage as “Sister Santos and the Councillor Brothers.”

Schreyer regularly impressed council members through such performances, sometimes even singing the opening prayer at city council meetings, she noted.

In a written statement, Coun. Russ Wyatt said he sang with Schreyer at a downtown nightclub about three weeks ago.

“Jason always… made (Eadie) and I look like the amateur singers we are. But Jason would never let us think it,” said Wyatt (Transcona).

Schreyer was a “very humble” person who repeatedly also used his voice to raise concerns about the rising cost of construction and how it strained the city’s budget, refusing to be silenced when others suggested he might be off topic, said Wyatt.

“I’m really going to miss him. He was a fantastic work colleague but more importantly he was my friend, a lifelong friend,” said Wyatt, who declined an interview request.

Eadie (Mynarski) briefly described Schreyer as his “best friend” Wednesday, telling reporters the loss “deeply hurts,” before his voice trailed off. He declined further comment.

“I’m really going to miss him. He was a fantastic work colleague but more importantly he was my friend, a lifelong friend.”–Russ Wyatt

Coun. Janice Lukes said Schreyer once impressed her with his dancing ability at Folklorama’s Indian pavilion.

“He was part of the show, and he was dancing Bhangra better than the women. It was crazy. And he sings and knew multiple languages. It was an incredible experience working with him,” said Lukes (Waverley West.)

Mayor Scott Gillingham also highlighted Schreyer’s ability to perform.

“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,” said Gillingham, noting Schreyer regularly sang at Folklorama and other events.

SUPPLIED
Councillors Ross Eadie, Russ Wyatt and Jason Schreyer. — SUPPLIED

Councillors Ross Eadie, Russ Wyatt and Jason Schreyer.

Gillingham said the councillor was a passionate advocate for ensuring Winnipeggers could afford city services and had hoped to improve food distribution to people who couldn’t afford groceries.

Steve Ashton, a former Thompson MLA and longtime NDP cabinet minister, said he knew Schreyer before hiring him as his ministerial assistant. He remembered an NDP convention in 1987 when he and Schreyer were finalists in a “twist” dance competition.

Schreyer had a love for music, life and people, Ashton said.

“He always had that sense of politics and public service,” he said. “What was very noticeable that time in our work relationship is just how good he was in connecting with people. When he decided to run for city council, I had a chance to volunteer with him, and our family did. It just struck me that this was, you know, Jason’s true calling…. He could be standing up in city council, during the day, being a strong voice for his area. Later on, you might catch him at a cultural event — the first one at the mic, connecting with people,” said Ashton.

Several elected officials said they were shocked and saddened by the death.

“Of course, we’re devastated…. He brought an excitement to council. He was very motivated just thinking of construction inflation, which he pretty well brought up every council meeting. It’s going to be missed,” said Coun. Shawn Dobson (St. James).

St. Vital Coun. Brian Mayes remembered Schreyer as a one-of-a-kind man, describing his passing as a “nasty shock.”

“Of course, we’re devastated…. He brought an excitement to council.”–Shawn Dobson

“He had brilliant thoughts on energy issues. I think (he) educated a lot of people around here,” said Mayes.

Schreyer spoke multiple languages, was fluent in French and voted to help ensure access to city services is provided in Canada’s other official language throughout Winnipeg, said Coun. Matt Allard.

“I think we’re all still in shock,” said Allard (St. Boniface) “He seemed perfectly healthy and now he’s gone.”

Schreyer was “really passionate” about the community, said Coun. Cindy Gilroy.

“He was always very happy and very cheerful. He always wanted to understand the issues, ask a lot of really great questions,” said Gilroy (Daniel McIntyre).