Biography

Gerard was born in Slek-Echt, Limburg, The Netherlands and attended elementary school in Pey, Limburg. His father was a coal miner, and later a farmer. The family immigrated to Senlac, Saskatchewan, in 1952. His father took up farming and raised cattle, grain and hogs in Saskatchewan. Gerard attended elementary school in Evesham, Saskatchewan and high school in Macklin, Saskatchewan. Gerard was the valedictorian of his high school graduating class in 1962.

Gerard graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1966 with degrees in education and arts - both with distinction. He was awarded numerous scholarships. He completed his Honours English degree in 1967 and finished his graduate studies in 1969 at the Regina Campus with an M.A. in Communications. For 3 years Gerard taught Senior English at the Rose Valley High School in Saskatchewan as an accredited Senior English teacher.

In 1970 Gerard married Lisa Sonnen. They have three children: John, Tracy and Andrew. In 1972 Gerard and Lisa moved to Cranberry Portage where both taught school. Gerard was associated with Frontier Collegiate Institute at Cranberry Portage from 1972 until 1994, as an English teacher, itinerant resource teacher and Language Arts consultant. Gerard has also taught university-level English courses for Inter-Universities North.

Since first hearing Tommy Douglas speak in the very early 1960's Gerard has been involved with the CCF and the NDP and numerous other progressive organizations. He was a contributing writer to many activist newspapers. Gerard and his wife continue to be active in the local church, as well as with many peace and justice organizations and with initiatives in the third world.

He was first elected in 1995 and was re-elected in 1999 and in 2003 to represent the constituents of Flin Flon. Gerard was the NDP Critic for Highways and Transportation in his first legislative session. In early 2000, Gerard was appointed a member of the Manitoba Hydro Board by the Minister of Finance.