View From the Legislature

Last month there was an event held at the Mennonite Heritage Village Museum by Health Partners International Canada (HPIC). Most local residents are likely not familiar with HPIC or its Steinbach roots. Started in 1990, HPIC is instrumental in providing medicine to citizens of countries around the world that are not as fortunate as Canada and who would not otherwise have access to these medicines. The local connection is that former federal Health Minister and Provencher Member of Parliament, the Honourable Jake Epp, was instrumental in getting HPIC its license and today remains its Chair Emeritus.

This is noteworthy on its own as HPIC has helped countless people around the world, but last month also marked the 50th anniversary of Mr. Epp’s election to the House of Commons in 1972. Seen as a local political upset at the time (having defeated an incumbent Liberal) it began a remarkable career that is still leaving a legacy even today.

For local residents, the name Jake Epp is not only recognized with federal politics but is associated with the Jake Epp Library in Steinbach. A long-time local teacher who also served briefly as a City of Steinbach Councillor, this is a fitting tribute but is only a small part of the legacy Mr. Epp left that caries on today, five decades after his election to office and nearly thirty since leaving public life.

As the first Mennonite to hold a position at the federal Cabinet table, he served in the roles of Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Minister of National Health and Welfare and Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources. In each of these roles Mr. Epp left a significant mark and accomplishments that go beyond the space given for this article. But it is worth noting that in addition to being honoured for his role in establishing HPIC, he is credited for improving health through anti-smoking initiatives, has been honoured in the Yukon for helping establish responsible government, and since leaving elected life has taken on significant roles in the private sector related to energy and also in faith-based education.

Elected life is not always easy on families and one that spans more than two decades is certain to have its challenges. Yet, the contributions that Jake Epp has made both locally, nationally, and internationally, continue to positively impact the lives of Manitobans and Canadians. That legacy and his statesman like qualities are worth reflecting on and appreciating today, decades after his elected public service ended. Too often in politics, as in life, we fail to appreciate the work of the past that has led to the successes of today. As the recent HPIC event in Steinbach showed, initiatives can have both long lasting and far-reaching impact. Perhaps far greater than can ever be imagined at their onset.

Former Member of Parliament Jake Epp, his wife Lydia and their family have made an impact that is continuing to pay dividends today. It is an enduring legacy.