Jon Gerrard grew up in Saskatoon and obtained his first degree at the University of Saskatchewan in Economics. He then went to McGill University for a degree in Medicine, followed by further training in the United States before joining the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba where he was involved with the care of children with blood disorders and cancer, becoming the Head of the Section of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology in 1985.
He was involved with research, with the teaching of medical students as well as with leading the multidisciplinary team responsible for looking after children with cancer from 1985-1992.
In 1993, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Portage-Interlake and chosen to be in the cabinet of Jean Chretien as the Minister for Science, Research and Development (1993-1997) and for Western Economic Diversification (1996-1997). In the former role, Gerrard played an important role in advancing the information highway and the use of the internet in Canada, and in advancing science policy and science and research funding in Canada. In the latter role, Gerrard played an significant role in promoting business and entrepreneurship in western Canada, providing support for Youth Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurs with Disabilities and various programs to promote the development of new products and services through research and innovation.
In the fall of 1998, Gerrard was elected the Leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party. In September 1999, he was elected the MLA for River Heights. He has served as Manitoba Liberal Leader and MLA for River Heights until the present time, being re-elected in 2003 and 2007.
Gerrard has been married to his wife Naomi for 38 years. Naomi is an artist and works as a nurse in home and community health. They have three children. Pauline, an environmental scientist, is married to Roger Mollot and works in Winnipeg at the International Institute for Sustainable Development. Charles teaches snowboarding and guides in British Columbia. Tom, an electrical engineer, works in Toronto.
Email: Jon.Gerrard@leg.gov.mb.ca
Administration Office at Legislature: 204.945.5194
Media Inquiries at Legislature: 204.771.2513