Gilbert Parent facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gilbert Parent
|
|
|---|---|
Parent in December 2000
|
|
| 33rd Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada | |
| In office January 17, 1994 – January 29, 2001 |
|
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor General | Ray Hnatyshyn Roméo LeBlanc Adrienne Clarkson |
| Prime Minister | Jean Chrétien |
| Preceded by | John Allen Fraser |
| Succeeded by | Peter Milliken |
| Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre (Welland—St. Catharines—Thorold; 1988–1997) (Welland; 1979–1984) (St. Catharines; 1974–1979) |
|
| In office November 21, 1988 – November 27, 2000 |
|
| Preceded by | Allan Pietz |
| Succeeded by | Tony Tirabassi |
| In office July 8, 1974 – September 4, 1984 |
|
| Preceded by | Trevor Morgan |
| Succeeded by | Allan Pietz |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 25, 1935 Mattawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | March 3, 2009 (aged 73) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouses | Joan Parent, partner Sandra Page |
| Profession | Teacher |
Gilbert "Gib" Parent (July 25, 1935 – March 3, 2009) was an important Canadian politician. He is most famous for being the Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada from 1994 to 2001. The Speaker is like a referee in Parliament, making sure debates are fair and follow the rules.
Gilbert Parent was born in Mattawa, Ontario, in 1935. His father, who was Métis, moved the family to Welland, Ontario. Gilbert went to St. Joseph's College on a football scholarship. He later became a teacher after getting his teaching certificate. Before becoming a politician, he worked as a teacher and was a vice-principal at Thorold Secondary School.
Gilbert Parent's Political Journey
Gilbert Parent was elected to Canada's Parliament six times. He was a member of the Liberal Party. His first election win was in 1974, representing the area called St. Catharines. An "electoral district" or "riding" is an area that a Member of Parliament represents.
He won again in 1979 and 1980. However, he lost his seat in the 1984 election. This was when the Progressive Conservative Party won many seats across Canada.
Four years later, in 1988, Gilbert Parent won his seat back. He was re-elected in 1993 and 1997. Over time, the name of his electoral district changed. It was called Welland, then Welland—St. Catharines—Thorold, and finally Niagara Centre.
Under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Gilbert Parent had other important roles. Between 1977 and 1981, he was a Parliamentary Secretary. This means he helped different government ministers with their work. He assisted the Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Minister of Labour, and the Minister of State (Sports).
Speaker of the House of Commons
Gilbert Parent became the Speaker of the House of Commons in January 1994. This was a challenging time because Parliament had five different political parties. These included the Bloc Québécois and the Reform Party, which were newer parties.
As Speaker, his job was to manage the debates and make sure all parties had a fair chance to speak. He had to keep order and ensure everyone followed the rules. When he was re-elected as Speaker in 1997, he said he expected Parliament to be a lively place. He believed that different opinions would make the debates strong and interesting.
Later Life and Legacy
Gilbert Parent passed away on March 3, 2009, at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. He was 73 years old. He died from pneumonia while recovering from surgery for colon cancer.
He was survived by his wife of 39 years, Joan Parent, and their four daughters: Michele, Monique, Madeleine, and Terri. He also had 13 grandchildren. He was also survived by his partner Sandra Page, her two daughters, and one grandchild. Gilbert Parent is remembered for his long service in Canadian politics and his important role as Speaker.
