View source for Jon Gerrard

{{Short description|Canadian politician (born 1947)}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix   = [[The Honourable]]
| name               = Jon Gerrard
| honorific-suffix   = {{post-nominals|country=CAN|PC|size=100%}}
| image              = Lee Fehler with Jon Gerrard (cropped).png
| alt                = 
| caption            = Gerrard in 2011
| order              = 
| office             = Leader of the [[Manitoba Liberal Party]]
| term_start         = October 17, 1998
| term_end           = October 26, 2013
| deputy             = 
| predecessor        = [[Ginny Hasselfield]]
| successor          = [[Rana Bokhari]]
| office1            = [[Secretary of State (Canada)#External Affairs|Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification)]]
| primeminister1     = [[Jean Chrétien]]
| minister1          = [[John Manley]]
| term_start1        = January 25, 1996
| term_end1          = June 10, 1997
| predecessor1       = ''Position established''
| successor1         = [[Ron Duhamel|Ronald J. Duhamel]]
| office2            = [[Secretary of State (Canada)#Industry|Secretary of State (Science, Research and Development)]]
| primeminister2     = Jean Chrétien
| minister2          = John Manley
| term_start2        = November 4, 1993
| term_end2          = June 10, 1997
| predecessor2       = ''Position established''
| successor2         = Ronald J. Duhamel
| office3            = Member of the [[Legislative Assembly of Manitoba]]<br />for [[River Heights (electoral district)|River Heights]]
| term_start3        = September 21, 1999
| term_end3          = September 5, 2023 <!-- A non-returning MLA's term in office ends with the writ drop -->
| predecessor3       = [[Mike Radcliffe]]
| successor3         = [[Mike Moroz]]
| majority3          = 
| riding4            = [[Portage—Interlake]]
| parliament4        = Canadian
| term_start4        = October 25, 1993
| term_end4          = June 2, 1997
| predecessor4       = [[Felix Holtmann]]
| successor4         = [[Howard Hilstrom]]<br />(for [[Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman|Selkirk—Interlake]])
| birth_name         = 
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1947|10|13|mf=yes}}
| birth_place        = [[Birmingham]], England
| death_date         = 
| death_place        = 
| nationality        = 
| party              = [[Manitoba Liberal Party|Manitoba Liberal]]
| otherparty         = [[Liberal Party of Canada|Liberal]]
| spouse             = Naomi Gerrard
| relatives          = 
| children           = 
| residence          = 
| alma_mater         = {{unbulleted list|[[University of Saskatchewan]]|[[McGill University]]|[[University of Minnesota]]}}
| occupation         = 
| profession         = [[Physician]]
| cabinet            = 
| committees         = 
| portfolio          = 
| signature          = 
| signature_alt      = 
| website            = 
}}

'''Jon Gerrard''' {{post-nominals|country=CAN|PC}} (born October 13, 1947) is a politician in [[Manitoba]], Canada. He was a [[Member of Parliament (Canada)|Member of Parliament]] (MP) from 1993 to 1997, and was a [[secretary of state#Canada|secretary of state]] in the government of [[Jean Chrétien]]. He was the leader of the [[Manitoba Liberal Party]] from 1998 until 2013, and the member of the [[Legislative Assembly of Manitoba]] for [[River Heights (electoral district)|River Heights]] from [[1999 Manitoba general election|1999]] until his defeat in [[2023 Manitoba general election|2023]].

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==Early life and private career==
Gerrard was born in [[Birmingham]], [[England]], and grew up in [[Saskatoon]], [[Saskatchewan]]. He holds a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree in [[economics]] from the [[University of Saskatchewan]] (1967), a [[Doctor of Medicine]] degree from [[McGill University]] (1971), a [[Doctor of Philosophy]] degree from the [[University of Minnesota]] (1976), and a Certificate in Pediatrics from the [[American Academy of Pediatrics]] (1976).<ref>David Kuxhaus, "Grits pick Gerrard as their saviour", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 18 October 1998, A1.</ref>  He worked at several prominent American institutions in the 1970s, and returned to Canada in 1980 to accept a position as [[pediatrician]] at the Winnipeg Children's Hospital.<ref>Girard, p. 169.</ref>  Gerrard served as head of Pediatric [[Hematology]]/[[Oncology]] at this hospital from 1985 to 1992, and taught at the [[University of Manitoba]] from 1980 to 1993.<ref>William Neville, "A voice in the Grit wilderness", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 7 August 1998, A10.</ref> He has authored or co-authored over 200 scientific publications, and became known during the 1980s as an expert on the research and treatment of [[cancer]] in children.<ref>Joan Bryden, "Chrétien revives politics of joy", ''Kitchener-Waterloo Record'', 24 July 1993, A9.</ref><ref>[http://mlp.manitobaliberals.ca/?page_id=69 "About Jon Gerrard"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070730124502/http://mlp.manitobaliberals.ca/?page_id=69 |date=2007-07-30 }}, Manitoba Liberal Party online document, accessed 25 July 2007.</ref> Gerrard has also been interested in [[bald eagle]]s since his teenage years, and co-authored a book entitled ''The Bald Eagle: Haunts and Habits of a Wilderness Monarch'' in 1988.<ref>"Researcher works to secure future of Canada's bald eagles", ''Toronto Star'', 20 November 1988, C11.</ref> He has been studying eagles at [[Besnard Lake]] in Saskatchewan for 50 years.<ref name="cgSept">{{cite news|last1=Walker|first1=Nick|title=The Bald Eagles of Besnard Lake|work=[[Canadian Geographic]]|issue=September/October 2017|pages=63–71}}</ref>

Gerrard became active with the [[Liberal Party of Canada]] while working on his undergraduate degree, impressed with [[Prime Minister of Canada|Prime Minister]] [[Lester B. Pearson]]'s positions on social and international issues.<ref>Gary Girard, "Jon Gerrard: The Building Continues", in Jon Gerrard, ''Battling For A Better Manitoba'', (Winnipeg: Heartland Associates, Inc.), 2006, p. 147. See also Alison Mayes, "Bringing the brain to bear", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 20 May 2007, B4.</ref>  He was a delegate to the Liberal Party's [[1968 Liberal Party of Canada leadership election|1968 leadership convention]], supporting [[John Turner]].<ref>Girard, p. 168.  Gerrard believed that Turner understood the concerns of [[Western Canada]] best out of the candidates.</ref> He later volunteered for the "Non" side in the [[1980 Quebec referendum]], and became Liberal riding president for [[Lisgar (electoral district)|Lisgar]] in 1984. In 1990, he was Manitoba co-chair of [[Jean Chrétien]]'s successful bid for the Liberal Party leadership.<ref>"Agriculture a priority", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 5 November 1993; Daniel Lett, "Plenty of plums at Grit picnic", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 4 September 2002, A12; Girard, p. 171.</ref>

==Government minister and federal political career==
Gerrard was elected to the [[House of Commons of Canada]] in the [[1993 Canadian federal election|1993 federal election]], defeating two-term [[Progressive Conservative Party of Canada|Progressive Conservative]] incumbent [[Felix Holtmann]] in the riding of [[Portage—Interlake]].<ref>The Liberal Party's nomination contest was closely contested among Gerrard and two other candidates. He was selected on the third ballot.  See Girard, p. 175.</ref> On November 4, 1993, he was appointed as [[Secretary of State (Science, Research and Development)|Secretary of State for Science, Research and Development]]. This was not a full cabinet portfolio, but was instead affiliated with [[Industry Canada]].<ref>Alan Toulin, "Cabinet likely to impress business", ''Financial Post'', 5 November 1993, 9.</ref> Gerrard worked closely with [[Minister of Industry (Canada)|Industry Minister]] [[John Manley]], and oversaw the development of such programs as Technology Partnerships Canada, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, and the Canada Research Chairs.<ref>Girard, p. 177.</ref>

===Internet and communications strategies===
Gerrard outlined the Chrétien government's strategy for the burgeoning [[information highway]] in February 1994, as [[internet]] use increased throughout the country. One of this strategy's goals was to "[put] Canada in cyberspace", by creating a "national network of networks" within the new media. Gerrard indicated that his plan would be targeted toward creating jobs, reinforcing Canada's cultural identity, and ensuring universal internet access at affordable rates.<ref>Jonathan Chevreau, "Ottawa to push 'open' highway", ''Financial Post'', 3 February 1994, p. 3.</ref> He officially launched an $80 million action plan on January 30, 1995, providing funding for online applications in the fields of business, research, health care and education.<ref>Carlton Student, "$80 million paves highway to future", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 24 January 1995; "CANARIE launches new technology and applications development program" [press release], ''Canada NewsWire'', 30 January 1995, 17:00. Previously, in August 1994, Gerrard had indicated an interest in developing a national system of electronic libraries. See Jim Bronskill, "Council ponders electronic libraries", ''Hamilton Spectator'', 20 August 1994, B7. In 1997, he indicated that his government was working to make the internet available for all Canadians. See Grant Buckler, "Internet Access A Canadian Concern", ''Newsbytes News Network'', 8 January 1997.</ref>

In March 1994, Gerrard described the internet as "very much a Liberal technology in the sense that it is much more individual than collective".<ref>Lynne Stefanchuk, "Ottawa takes ride on superhighway", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 29 March 1994.</ref> Speaking to an interviewer in 2007, he said that the highlight of his political career was convincing the Chrétien government to include a reference to the information highway in its first throne speech.<ref>Alison Mayes, "Bringing the brain to bear", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 20 May 2007, B4.</ref>

Gerrard's 1994 strategic statement on the information highway also addressed the subject of industry mergers in the communications sector. He indicated that the Chrétien government would "apply pro-competition policies wherever ... they make sense"<ref>Jonathan Chevreau, "Ottawa to push 'open' highway", ''Financial Post'', 3 February 1994, p. 3; Monta Kerr, "Delegates call for joint effort in development of 'highway.'", ''Computing Canada'', 16 February 1994, Vol. 20 No. 4, p. 1.</ref> and added:

{{blockquote|Traditionally, firms in telecommunications, broadcasting, cable and information industries have operated in separate markets enjoying neither competition nor collaboration. We now know this lack of competition has caused us to fall behind the U.S. in the provision and price of advanced telecommunications services.<ref>Geoffrey Rowan, "Rogers in a high-tech chess game", ''The Globe and Mail'', 4 February 1994, B20.</ref>}}

===Science and technology strategies===
In June 1994, Manley and Gerrard ordered a full review of federal science and technology policy. This process had three aspects: an internal review, an independent assessment from the [[National Advisory Board on Science and Technology]], and a series of consultations with interested Canadians.<ref>Alan Toulin, "Liberals reinventing science and technology policy", ''Financial Post'', 12 July 1994, p. 9.</ref>  Gerrard personally supervised the review's consultative sessions, and was appointed as vice-chairman of the National Advisory Board.<ref>Agnes Bongers, "Industry, research must work together, Ottawa told", ''Hamilton Spectator'', 10 August 1994, D6; Neville Nankivell, "Inventing a new science policy", ''Financial Post'', 3 August 1995, 9.</ref> The government's new strategy was issued in March 1996, outlining new plans for funding and tax credits.<ref>Neville Nankivell, "National strategy sees potential for job growth", ''Financial Post'', 12 March 1996, 15; David Crane, "At last a plan for tech spending", ''Toronto Star'', 12 March 1996, D2.</ref>

The Chrétien government's approach to funding the science and technology sectors received mixed reviews. Some criticized the government for cutting several research and science positions during the recession of the early 1990s,<ref>Paul Gessell, "Ottawa 'tragically short-sighted' in science cuts", ''Hamilton Spectator'', 8 June 1995, A13.</ref> although at least one technological journal credited it with maintaining research and development incentives in the austerity budget of 1995.<ref>Gerrard indicated that the government wanted to have "the best tax regime in the world for science and technology". See Andy Shaw, "High-technology industry escapes federal budget axe", ''Computing Canada'', 15 March 1995, p. 5.</ref>  Gerrard himself was described a "passionate advocate" of research investment, and as the driving force behind the government's National Technology Investment Program of 1996.<ref>Dennis Bueckert, "Ottawa plans fund to aid high-tech firms", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 14 January 1996, B7.  See also John Douglas Kevin Rollason, "City poised to cash in on fund", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 16 January 1996, B4. He also played a role in preserving the federal government's funding for the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory during a period of cutbacks to Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. See "Neutrino project ducks federal axe", ''Globe and Mail'', 26 March 1996, A4.</ref>

===Additional duties===
Gerrard was given additional responsibilities as [[Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification)|Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification]] on January 25, 1996. He oversaw the expansion of the Community Futures Development Corporation Network throughout Western Canada, and worked with [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Canada)|Foreign Affairs Minister]] [[Lloyd Axworthy]] to ensure a secure transition of the [[Port of Churchill]] rail line from [[Canadian National]] to [[OmniTRAX]].<ref name="Girard, p. 179">Girard, p. 179.</ref>

===Other===
Gerrard voted in favour of the Chrétien government's [[Canadian gun registry|national gun registry]] program in late 1994, despite some personal reservations. The registry was unpopular with many rural Manitobans, and Gerrard remarked to John Manley soon after the vote that it would likely cost him his seat in the next election.<ref name="Girard, p. 179"/>

===1997 election===
The Portage—Interlake riding disappeared with redistribution before the [[1997 Canadian federal election|1997 election]]. Gerrard ran in the new riding of [[Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman|Selkirk—Interlake]], and lost to [[Reform Party of Canada|Reform Party]] candidate [[Howard Hilstrom]] by 66 votes in a very close three-way contest.<ref>There were several recounts before the result was finalized. See Carlton Student, "Gerrard appeals ruling during judicial recount", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 22 June 1997, A4; "Gerrard bows to Reform win", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 29 June 1997, A7.</ref>

Gerrard returned to his work at the Winnipeg Children's Hospital after his defeat. He also became a Medical Research Council of Canada scholar in residence at the [[University of Manitoba]]'s medical school and applied to become Dean of Medicine,<ref>Bud Robertson, "Gerrard considers return to politics", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 15 June 1998, A8.</ref> as well as returning to his research work on bald eagles.<ref>In late 1997, he argued there was evidence northern bald eagles could produce more female offspring in food-rich regions, and more male offspring in areas where food was scarce. See Manfred Jager, "Ex-MP finds eagles' gender based on food", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 1 November 1997, A6.</ref>

==Leadership of the Manitoba Liberal Party and provincial political career==
Gerrard returned to active political life in 1998, as leader of the [[Manitoba Liberal Party]].

After winning only three seats in the [[1995 Manitoba general election|1995 provincial election]] and losing its official status in the legislature (which it had enjoyed since [[1988 Manitoba general election|1988]]), the provincial Liberal Party had nearly disintegrated in 1997 under the leadership of [[Ginny Hasselfield]].<ref>Some party members spoke of Gerrard as a possible successor to Hasselfield as early as December 1997. See Melanie Verhaege, "Does anyone want Liberals' top job?", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 8 December 1997, A6.</ref> She resigned in February 1998, and Gerrard declared his candidacy to succeed her. Supported by former leader [[Sharon Carstairs]], he defeated the only other candidate, former [[Sagkeeng First Nation]] chief [[Jerry Fontaine]].<ref>"Gerrard's leadership bid backed by Carstairs", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 16 September 1998, A4.</ref>

===Elections===
====1999====
Gerrard set modest goals for his party in the [[1999 Manitoba general election|1999 provincial election]], saying that the Liberals could win between ten and fifteen seats to hold the balance of power in a [[minority government]].<ref>Kim Guttormson, "Low-key Liberal leader sets sights on 10-15 seats", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 17 August 1999, A6.</ref> He focused his attention on health care, and pledged that he would serve as his own [[Minister of Health (Manitoba)|Minister of Health]] if elected as [[Premier of Manitoba|Premier]].<ref>David Roberts, "Manitoba Grits plan return from wilderness", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 15 March 1999, A4. He argued that the [[New Democratic Party of Manitoba|New Democratic Party]]'s plan for health care would "throw money" at the provincial health system without a comprehensive plan for improvement. See David Kuxhaus, "Doer touts $15-M plan to repair health care", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 20 August 1999, A1.</ref> He also promised to appoint a health [[ombudsman]], commit $25 million toward repairing provincial infrastructure, provide $20 million for post-secondary education, end provincial clawbacks of federal tax credits for welfare recipients, and create a new Ministry of Digital Economy and the Information Highway.<ref>Kim Guttormson, "Liberal leader recycles '95 pledge on health care", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 24 August 1999, A5 [ombudsman]; "Ruling Tories promise new grads a 25 per cent tax cut in Manitoba", ''Kitchener-Waterloo Record'', 25 August 1999, A5 [information]; Scott Edmonds, "Liberal candidate pledges to rebuild crumbling highways, sewerage"; Linda Rosborough, "Grits pledge $20M for learning", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 3 September 1999, A8 [education]; "Manitoba Grits run on antipoverty platform", ''Globe and Mail'', 1 September 1999, A5 [clawbacks]; Kim Guttormson, "Gerrard reveals high-tech strategy", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 15 December 1999, A9.</ref>

The Liberal Party was unable to run a full electoral slate, fielding candidates in only 50 of 57 divisions.<ref>Duncan Morrison, "198 candidates in race as nominations close", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 1 September 1999, A9.</ref> Gerrard tried to deflect criticism by joking that he would "put his 50 Liberal candidates up against 57 Tory and NDP candidates any day", but the failure to run a full slate unquestionably damaged his party's prospects.<ref>Kim Guttormson, "Liberals fail to field full slate of hopefuls", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 2 September 1999, A8; David Kuxhaus, "Gerrard asks Manitoba Grits", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 12 March 2000, A3.</ref>

On election day, Gerrard personally defeated incumbent Progressive Conservative [[cabinet minister]] [[Mike Radcliffe]] in the upscale [[Winnipeg]] division of [[River Heights (electoral district)|River Heights]], which Carstairs had previously represented, but the Liberals won no other seats. The party's popular vote fell from 23% to 13%, as many former Liberal voters shifted to the victorious New Democratic Party under [[Gary Doer]].<ref>Douglas Nairne, "It's Premier Doer! Collapse of Liberal vote swings province to NDP", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 22 September 1999, A1. See also Kim Guttormson, "Gerrard the last Liberal standing", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 22 September 1999, A1; Kim Guttormson, "Lonely Grit: Gerrard says party is not dead", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 23 September 1999, B7. As his party did not regain official party status in the legislature, Gerrard did not receive funding to hire researchers. See David Kuxhaus, "Life at legislature no party as Gerrard faces 'challenge'", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 12 October 1999, A11.</ref>

Gerrard was the only Liberal member of the Manitoba legislature between 1999 and 2003. He was not personally blamed for the party's loss, and was reaffirmed as party leader in 2000.<ref>David Kuxhaus, "Grits back Gerrard, reject leadership race", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 13 March 2000, A3. Gerrard won 74% support from party delegates.</ref>

====2003====
Popular support for the Liberal Party increased after the 1999 election, reaching 24% in July 2001 and remaining in the low twenties throughout 2002 and 2003.<ref>Aldo Santin, "Growing Liberal support hits 24%", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 17 July 2001, A4; Helen Fallding, "Doer? I don't even know her!", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 14 March 2002, A1 [note: actual article title]; Mia Rabson, "Election fever Raging at Legislature", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 26 March 2003, A9. Gerrard voted for the Doer government's budget shortly before the [[2003 Manitoba general election|2003 election]] was called, citing a significant expansion in health-care revenues from the federal government. See "Gerrard backs budget despite concerns", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 2 May 2003, A4.</ref>  The party entered the 2003 election in a much improved position from four years earlier: their divisions were largely resolved and their financial situation more secure, and they were able to field a candidate in every division.<ref>Mia Rabson, "Enthusiastic Liberals set vote sights high", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 10 April 2003, B3.</ref>

Gerrard promised tax cuts for Manitobans under thirty and the elimination of the province's payroll tax,<ref>Mia Rabson, "Gerrard would slash taxes for Manitobans under 30", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 17 April 2003, A6; Mia Rabson, "Tories, Liberals spell out tax cuts", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 9 May 2003, A1.</ref> and committed to a "health-care guarantee" wherein the government would fund out-of-province health care if services could not be provided within Manitoba.<ref>Scott Edmonds, "Manitoba New Democrats seek new mandate, call election for June 3", ''Canadian Press'', 2 May 2003, 15:54.</ref> He also promised to create an organization that would integrate health services from different fields,<ref>Daniel Lett, "Doer touts 5-point plan", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 6 May 2003, A1.</ref> and to establish community health centres for seniors.<ref>Leah Janzen, "Liberals offer seniors community health centres", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 7 May 2003, A4.</ref><ref>Gerrard also promised to increase the province's share of public education funding from 57.5% to 80% over a period of five years, with a $222 million cash infusion. See Nick Martin, "Liberal policies best of bad lot: trustees", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 30 May 2003, A5. On infrastructure, he promised that over $200 million of Manitoba's fuel tax revenues would be put directly into building and improving the province's roads and highways system. See Leah Janzen, "Gerrard wants fuel taxes spent on roads, highways", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 17 May 2003, A8.</ref>

Liberal support declined in the final stage of the campaign,<ref>Leah Janzen, "Gerrard changes tack in last days", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 31 May 2003, A12. Shortly before the election, Liberal support had fallen to 13%.</ref> and the party ultimately polled a slightly lower percentage of votes relative to its 1999 result. Gerrard was nevertheless returned without difficulty in River Heights, and former [[Member of the Legislative Assembly]] (MLA) [[Kevin Lamoureux]] gave the party a second seat by retaking his old division of [[Inkster (electoral district)|Inkster]].<ref>Support for the Liberal Party returned to 21% by the end of the year, fell to 14% in March 2006, and rose again to 18% in October of the same year. See "Nearly half of electorate backs Doer government", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 30 December 2003, A7; Mia Rabson, "Tories strong again: poll", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 18 March 2006, A5; Mia Rabson, "Manitoba NDP, Tories in dead heat for voters", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 3 October 2006, A1.</ref>

====2007====
The Liberal Party's [[2007 Manitoba general election|2007 campaign]] was centred around five issues: health care waiting lists, threatened emergency room closures in Winnipeg, university funding, urban sprawl, and the environmental state of [[Lake Winnipeg]].<ref>Joe Paraskevas, "'Underdog' Liberals have ideas, high hopes", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 21 April 2007, A1; Joe Paraskevas, "Gerrard sets sights on saving Lake Winnipeg", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 23 April 2007, A3; Joe Paraskevas, "Liberals promise wait-free visits to family doctors", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 26 April 2007, A4; Mia Rabson, "Mental health services 'failing' Gerrard says system needs an overhaul", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 14 May 2007, A4.</ref> The Liberals also pledged to provide immediate funding for rapid transit in Winnipeg,<ref>Mary Agnes Welch, "Gerrard favours rapid transit", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 3 April 2007, web extra.</ref> phase out the provincial payroll tax while reducing property taxes by as much as 30%,<ref>Joe Paraskevas, "Liberals pledge to wipe out payroll tax, boost research", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 24 April 2007, A7; Joe Paraskevas, "Gerrard promises 80/20 ratio for education funding", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 25 April 2007, A4; Joe Paraskevas, "Liberals envision bone care network", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 1 May 2007, A6.</ref> and introduce a new police unit to protect children from sexual exploitation.<ref>Joe Paraskevas, "Liberals want special police unit for kids", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 2 May 2007, A5.</ref> The party also stressed an environmentally conscious image, purchasing carbon credits to run a carbon-neutral campaign.<ref>Mia Rabson, "Gerrard to go green with carbon-neutral campaign", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 24 March 2007, B7.</ref>

Gerrard and Lamoureux were again returned to the legislature, but no other Liberals were elected and the party's popular vote slipped again to just under 12.5%.

====2017====
After being re-elected in 2011, Gerrard resigned as leader and was replaced by [[Rana Bokhari]]. He was re-elected in 2016. Gerrard ran for leader again in 2017, but placed third. He was re-elected in 2019.<ref name=jon>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/jon-gerrard-manitoba-liberal-party-1.4164189 |title=Former Manitoba Liberal leader Jon Gerrard aims to become leader once again |publisher=CBC News |date=2017-06-16 |accessdate=2018-05-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/jon-gerrard-eyes-liberal-leadership-1.4103451 |title=Jon Gerrard eyes Manitoba Liberals' leadership |publisher=CBC News |date=2017-05-06 |accessdate=2018-05-13}}</ref>

====2023====
The [[2023 Manitoba general election|2023 campaign]] was dominated by the ailing healthcare system, affordability, and multiple social issues such as [[Parental rights movement|parental rights]] and [[Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women|MMIW]]. The governing Progressive Conservatives were very unpopular throughout the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Manitoba|COVID-19 pandemic]], which lead to the resignation of premier [[Brian Pallister]] in 2021 and his subsequent replacement as premier by then health minister [[Heather Stefanson]]. The NDP, led by [[Wab Kinew]], which had led in the polls for more than two years in the lead up to the election, specifically targeted Liberal voters to vote strategically and prevent [[vote splitting]] on the left. In River Heights, NDP targeting made this a more difficult campaign for Gerrard than in elections prior. Running against Gerrard for the NDP was [[Mike Moroz]], a local teacher who had become a prominent activist against the provincial education Bill 64 in 2021.

On election night, Moroz defeated Gerrard by roughly 6% in the riding, as the NDP would also go on to win a majority government. The result was seen as a major upset, considering the past tilt the riding had towards the Liberals and Gerrard's personal popularity in the riding. Gerrard said in interview after his defeat that he got "caught in an orange wave" with strategic voting and anger towards the governing Conservatives denying him another term. Liberal leader [[Dougald Lamont]] also lost his re-election bid in [[St. Boniface (provincial electoral district)|St. Boniface]], part of an overall poor result for the Liberals. [[Cindy Lamoureux]] was the lone Liberal MLA elected in 2023, in which she was re-elected in the riding of [[Tyndall Park (electoral district)|Tyndall Park]]. Gerrard was the longest-serving incumbent MLA to lose re-election in 2023, and at the time was tied with PC MLA [[Ron Schuler]] as the second longest-serving MLA in Manitoba. (The longest-serving MLA at the end of the [[42nd Manitoba Legislature]], outgoing [[Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba|Legislative Assembly speaker]] [[Myrna Driedger]], retired.)

===Issues===
====Health care====
Gerrard was involved with health issues throughout his time in the legislature. In 2001, he protested the Doer government's decision to close an outpatient pharmacy at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre by bringing several families of child cancer patients to the legislature to confront the health minister.<ref>Mia Rabson, "It's a bird, it's a plane, it's... Everywhere Man", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 1 May 2002, A12.</ref> He later called for changes to Manitoba's adult heart surgery program, after figures obtained through a freedom of information request showed an increasing number of fatalities.<ref>Mia Rabson, "Heart surgery mortality rate raises concern", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 16 July 2002, A3; "Manitoba Liberal leader says something must be done to stop cardiac deaths", ''Canadian Press'', 15 July 2002, 20:18. In April 2004, Gerrard published a favourable review of Michael Rachlis's ''Prescription for Excellence'', a book on reforming Canada's health care system. See Jon Gerrard, "A new prescription for health care", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 4 April 2004, B9.</ref>

Gerrard wrote a ''[[Winnipeg Free Press]]'' column criticizing the Doer government for health-care delays in 2005,<ref>"Manitoba must provide timely access to health care", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 11 July 2005, A11.</ref> and later argued that personal health information should be made more easily accessible to patients and their families.<ref>Leah Janzen, "Speed access to info on patients: Gerrard", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 28 February 2006, A5.</ref><ref>Gerrard has also argued that the [[Manitoba Health|Minister of Health]] should report on the performance of individual surgeons. See Mia Rabson, "Gerrard calls for cardiac report cards", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 11 December 2001, A4.</ref> He released a detailed document promoting change in Manitoba's health system in September 2007, highlighted by a call to make regional health authorities more accountable to citizens.<ref>"Liberal's dose" [editorial], ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 18 September 2007, A10.</ref>

====Agriculture and environment====
Shortly after the 1999 election, Gerrard took part in an all-party delegation to [[Ottawa]] to lobby the federal government for a cash bailout for struggling western farmers.<ref>David Kuxhaus, "Prairie politicians band together to plead farmers' case", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 21 October 1999, A3.</ref>

In early 2004, Gerrard wrote a guest column in the ''Winnipeg Free Press'' calling on the federal government to test every beef and dairy cow over thirty months for [[bovine spongiform encephalopathy]] (BSE). This recommendation was made during a significant decline in the Canadian cattle market, after the discovery of a BSE-infected cow in [[Alberta]] caused the United States to block all Canadian cattle.<ref>"A BSE-Free Guarantee Contingency plan needed for beef industry", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 4 March 2004, A9.</ref>

Also in 2004, Gerrard accused the Doer government of undermining its water-quality legislation by reducing funds for key programs.<ref>"Budget cut may affect water quality: Gerrard", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 24 April 2004, A5.</ref>

====Social issues====
Gerrard holds liberal views on social issues. He pressured the Doer government to legalize [[adoption]] rights for same-sex couples in 2001,<ref>Mia Rabson, "PCs back gay adoption?", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 19 June 2001, A3.</ref> one year before a comprehensive bill including adoption rights was passed by the legislature.<ref>Mia Rabson, "Tories flip-flop, vote against adoption rights for gay couples", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 2 August 2002, A2.</ref>

Gerrard took part in the Winnipeg Harvest Poverty Challenge in late 2002, and attempted to live for a full week on only $20. The challenge was meant to draw attention to the difficulties faced by Manitoba's lowest-income residents, living on social assistance.<ref>Lindor Reynolds, "Trying to eat on $20 a week", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 25 November 2002, A1; Rob Knodel, "Harvest hosts a real survivor challenge", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 4 December 2002, 1.</ref>

In 2003, Gerrard supported calls for a provincial smoking ban in workplaces and enclosed public spaces.<ref>Mia Rabson, "Manitoba to butt out", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 7 November 2003, A1.</ref>

====Other issues====
In early 2005, Gerrard wrote that the Doer government had not taken proper steps to regulate the province's burgeoning internet pharmaceutical industry. This industry was popular with American customers, and Gerrard's column was written at a time when the federal government was seeking to impose greater control over the sector.<ref>Jon Gerrard, "Laws needed for delivery of distance health care", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 17 January 2005, A11.</ref>

In April 2007, Gerrard introduced a [[private member's bill]] entitled the Apology Act, to make apologies inadmissible in court as proof of liability or guilt. The bill was modeled after similar legislation in [[British Columbia]], and was intended to allow medical professionals to apologize to patients without risking legal charges.<ref>Mary Agnes Welch, "Saying sorry to be made less costly?", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 12 April 2007, A7.</ref> It was passed into law with government support in November 2007, and formally took effect in February 2008.<ref>Mia Rabson, [untitled article], ''Canadian Press'', 8 November 2007, 22:13; Bruce Owen, "Say sorry without fear of legal action", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 7 February 2008, A6.</ref>

Gerrard has also called for a public inquiry into the New Democratic Party government's alleged role in failing to prevent the financial collapse of the [[Crocus Investment Fund]].<ref>Jon Gerrard, "Premier should call inquiry into Crocus", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 15 August 2005, A11.</ref> Following the 2007 election, he took part in an all-party delegation to Ottawa to argue for increased penalties against gang-related criminals and young car thieves.<ref>Mary Agnes Welch, "Manitoba posse hits Ottawa", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 21 September 2007, A9.</ref> He has also called for a public review of appointees to the [[Manitoba Hydro]] Board, and requested a [[plebiscite]] on the location of a power line from northern to southern Manitoba.<ref>Jon Gerrard, "Hydro board needs overhaul", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 6 October 2007, A19; Jon Gerrard, "Plebiscites should guide where power line is built", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 2 November 2007, A15.</ref>

In October 2007, he introduced a bill to ban retailers from using [[plastic bag]]s by 2009.<ref>Mary Agnes Welch, "Liberal bill would ban plastic bags at checkouts", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 12 October 2007, A4.</ref> He also criticized the Doer government's decision to build a [[Manitoba Hydro]] power line on the west side of [[Lake Winnipeg]], and called for the public to be directly consulted on the issue through non-binding referendums.<ref>Jon Gerrard, "Plebiscites should guide where power line is built", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 2 November 2007, A15.</ref>

He called for a provincial moratorium on [[taser]] use in 2007, following increased concerns about its safety.<ref>Aldo Santin, "Portage man seeking $20M in Tasering", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 23 November 2007, A1.</ref>

===Other===
Despite his background as a Chrétien supporter, Gerrard was reported to have endorsed [[Paul Martin]]'s bid for the federal Liberal Party leadership in [[2003 Liberal Party of Canada leadership election|2003]].<ref>David O'Brien, "Manitoba Liberals embrace Martin's push for leadership", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 30 May 2003, A3.</ref> He supported [[Gerard Kennedy]]'s bid in [[2006 Liberal Party of Canada leadership election|2006]].<ref>"Gerrard endorses Kennedy", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 25 November 2006, B10.</ref>

Gerrard released a history of the Manitoba Liberal Party in 2006, entitled ''Battling for a Better Manitoba''.<ref>Mia Rabson, "Book tells history of Manitoba Liberal party", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 26 April 2006, web extra.</ref> A ''[[Winnipeg Free Press]]'' reviewer described the book as "a generally readable—though sloppy—account of one of the three provincial parties", adding that the book "perhaps should not have been published in its current state".<ref>Chris Adams, "Liberal history doesn't address party's decline", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 21 May 2006, B8.</ref>

==Electoral record==

{{2023 Manitoba general election/River Heights}}
{{2019 Manitoba general election/River Heights}}
{{2016 Manitoba general election/River Heights}}
{{2011 Manitoba general election/River Heights}}
{{2007 Manitoba general election/River Heights}}
{{2003 Manitoba general election/River Heights}}
{{1999 Manitoba general election/River Heights}}
{{1997 Canadian federal election/Selkirk—Interlake}}
{{1993 Canadian federal election/Portage—Interlake}}

All electoral information is taken from [[Elections Canada]] and [[Elections Manitoba]].  Provincial expenditures refer to candidate expenses.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Canadian Parliament links|ID=3618}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051215041521/http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/jonsblog.html Jon Gerrard's blog]

{{s-start}}
{{s-par|ca}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Felix Holtmann]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Member of Parliament (Canada)|Member of Parliament]] for [[Portage—Interlake]]|years=1993–1997}}
{{s-non|reason=Electoral district abolished}}
{{s-par|ca-mb}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Mike Radcliffe]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of the [[Legislative Assembly of Manitoba]]<br />for [[River Heights (electoral district)|River Heights]]|years=1999–present}}
{{s-inc}}
{{Canadian federal ministry navigational box header |ministry=26}}
{{ministry box government posts
| post2         = [[Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification)]]
| post2years    = 1996–1997
| post2note     = 
| post2preceded = ''position created in 1996''
| post2followed = [[Ron Duhamel]]

| post1         = [[Secretary of State (Science, Research and Development)]]
| post1years    = 1993–1997
| post1note     = 
| post1preceded = ''position created in 1993''
| post1followed = [[Ron Duhamel]]
}}
{{s-ppo}}
{{succession box
| title  = Leader of the [[Manitoba Liberal Party]]
| before = [[Ginny Hasselfield]]<br />''[[Neil Gaudry]] (acting)''
| after  = [[Rana Bokhari]]
| years  = 1998–2013}}
{{s-end}}

{{Chrétien Ministry}}
{{Manitoba Liberal Leaders}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gerrard, Jon}}
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[[Category:Members of the 26th Canadian Ministry]]
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[[Category:Politicians from Saskatoon]]
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[[Category:20th-century members of the House of Commons of Canada]]
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