Gord Brown facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gord Brown
Chief Opposition Whip
In office November 11, 2015 – July 19, 2017
Leader	Rona Ambrose Andrew Scheer
Preceded by	Nycole Turmel
Succeeded by	Mark Strahl
Chair of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage
In office October 29, 2013 – August 2, 2015
Minister	Shelly Glover
Preceded by	Rob Moore
Member of Parliament for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes (Leeds—Grenville; 2004–2015)
In office June 28, 2004 – May 2, 2018
Preceded by	Joe Jordan
Succeeded by	Michael Barrett
Personal details
Born	Gordon Keith Brown (1960-08-31)August 31, 1960 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Died	May 2, 2018(2018-05-02) (aged 57) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Political party	Conservative
Spouse(s)	Claudine Courtois
Children	2
Education	Carleton University
Profession	Innkeeper

Gordon Keith Brown (born August 31, 1960 – died May 2, 2018) was a Canadian politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party. From 2004 until his death, he represented the area of Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes in the House of Commons of Canada. This is where Canada's federal laws are made.

Early Life and Education

Gord Brown was born in Toronto, Ontario. He grew up and went to school in Gananoque, Ontario. He finished high school at Gananoque Secondary School.

After high school, he went to Carleton University. He studied political science and earned a degree in 1983. He also helped with his family's business in Gananoque.

Sports and Community Involvement

Gord Brown was very active in sports. He was a Canadian Kayaking Champion. He competed with the Gananoque Canoe Club. He even competed in the World Championship in 1988.

Later in life, he still enjoyed sports. He played hockey in the winter. In the summer, he liked to golf and kayak.

Before becoming a federal politician, he was involved in his local community. He served as a town councillor in Gananoque. He was also the President of the 1000 Islands-Gananoque Chamber of Commerce. He chaired the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, which runs places like Fort Henry.

He was interested in politics from a young age. He was an active member of conservative groups at both federal and provincial levels.

Political Career Highlights

Gord Brown was a Member of Parliament for many years. He worked on several important issues. He introduced new ideas for laws in the House of Commons.

Bills and Laws He Helped Create

In 2008, he proposed a bill about Employment Insurance Benefits. This bill would help working parents of very sick children. Parts of his idea later became law in 2012.

He also helped change the name of a national park. He introduced a bill to rename the St. Lawrence Islands National Park to Thousand Islands National Park. This change became law in 2013.

Important Roles in Parliament

Gord Brown held several important positions. In 2017, he was appointed to the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians. This committee helps oversee Canada's security agencies.

From 2013 to 2015, he was the chair of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage. This committee looks at issues related to Canadian culture and identity. He also chaired the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group. This group helps build good relationships between Canadian and U.S. lawmakers.

He was also chosen by former Prime Minister Stephen Harper to lead a special committee. This committee reviewed Canada's Anti-Terrorism Act. He also led the group of Conservative Members of Parliament from Ontario.

Electoral Success

Gord Brown was elected as a Member of Parliament five times. He first won his seat in 2004. He was re-elected in 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2015. He consistently won with strong support from the voters in his riding.

Personal Life and Passing

Gord Brown was married to Claudine Courtois. He had two sons.

Sadly, Gord Brown passed away on May 2, 2018. He was 57 years old. He had a heart attack at his office on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.