Manitoba Liberal Leader Endorses Kennedy

With the continued endorsements building for Gerard Kennedy, a prominent Liberal is welcomed to the campaign.


Manitoba Liberal Leader Dr. Jon Gerrard Endorses Gerard Kennedy

Kennedy’s New Liberalism key to party’s renewal: Gerrard

WINNIPEG – Dr. Jon Gerrard, Leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party, announced today that he will support leadership candidate Gerard Kennedy at the Liberal Party of Canada’s upcoming leadership convention.

Dr. Gerrard said he is backing Kennedy based on his personal roots in Western Canada and his years of experience in provincial politics, both in opposition and in government. Dr. Gerrard said Kennedy’s pan-Canadian support, along with dedication and support for a new Liberalism, makes Kennedy the candidate best suited to lead the federal Liberals into government.

“Gerard was born and raised in northern Manitoba, attended high school in Manitoba, worked in Edmonton, and I believe it’s time Liberals have a leader with this kind of deep appreciation for Western Canada,” Dr. Jon Gerrard said. “Gerard Kennedy understands the Liberal Party has to go in a new direction and Gerard is the face of this new Liberalism. Gerard’s leadership will provide the fundamental shift we need to make as a party. As a western party leader, I’m proud to announce I will be supporting Gerard Kennedy in his bid to be leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.”

Dr. Gerrard said he has met with all the leadership candidates but believes that Kennedy, with his strong leadership skills and extensive political experience, is the ideal combination to lead a 21st Century Canada.

“A life-long Liberal, Gerard Kennedy is truly dedicated to the future and revitalization of our party.” Dr. Gerrard said. “Under Kennedy’s leadership I know the Liberal party would engage a whole new generation of Canadians.”

Prior to becoming Manitoba Liberal Leader, Dr. Gerrard served as Liberal MP for Portage-Interlake and was a member of the federal Liberal cabinet as Secretary of State for Science & Technology (1993-1997) and Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification (1996-1997).

Before entering politics Dr. Gerrard was a noted scientist, physician, and post-secondary educator. Dr. Gerrard holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Saskatchewan, an M.D. from McGill University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Gerrard also holds a Certificate in Pediatrics from the American Academy of Pediatrics and was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal College of Canada (pediatrics) in 1982.

Gerard Kennedy was born in The Pas, Manitoba and attended high school in Manitoba. Kennedy served as Executive Director of both Edmonton’s food bank and Toronto’s Daily Bread food bank before winning a seat in the Ontario Legislature in 1996. Kennedy served as Ontario’s Minister of Education and Deputy Premier under Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty.