New Speaker in Ontario

Born in Toronto in August 1955, Gary Carr is a graduate of the business administration program at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute. His career includes experience as a sales and marketing manager, a position he held within the transportation industry.

In addition, he played professional hockey in the farm system of the Boston Bruins and Quebec Nordiques for five years. He was a member of the 1975 Memorial Cup champions, Toronto Marlboros.

Mr. Carr was first elected to the Ontario Legislature in September, 1990, as the MPP for Oakville South. He was re-elected again in 1995, and for a third consecutive term in June, 1999, to represent the new riding of Oakville. On October 20, 1999 he was elected as Speaker of the House.

Mr. Carr served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Solicitor General and Minister of Correctional Services from July 1995 until April 1997. He co-chaired the Government's Task Force on Strict Discipline for Young Offenders. While in opposition, he was the PC Party Deputy House Leader and critic for the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.

Canadian Regional Seminar

The 22^nd Canadian Regional Seminar of the CPA was held in  St. John’s Newfoundland from October 21-24, 1999.  The host of the seminar was Lloyd Snow, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Seminars bring together individuals from across Canada for the discussion of matters related to their common interest as legislators andrepresentatives. Approximately thirty parliamentarians from the Senate, the House of Commons and every province except Ontario were in attendance

The first session, chaired by Erda Walsh, Deputy Chair of Committee of the Whole in British Columbia dealt with the Role of Committees and began with presentations by Rosaire Bertrand and Russell Williams of Quebec.  

The second session featured a presentation about the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association by Bob Speller MP who is one of Canada’s Regional Representatives on CPA.

The next session, chaired by Gerald Smith, Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole in Newfoundland, focused on Information Technology in Legislatures.  The topic was introduced by Denis Herard of Alberta.

Myron Kowalski of Saskatchewan chaired the next session on Question Period which featured a presentation by Greg Deighan, Deputy Speaker of Prince Edward Island.

The Speaker of the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly, Bev Harrison, led off the next session on the Balance Between the Legislature and the Executive.  It was chaired by Peter Forbes of New Brunswick.

The only presentation by a non parliamentarian was by Dr. John Fitzgerald of Memorial University who spoke about Newfoundland and Confederation.  The session was chaired by Harvey Hodder of Newfoundland

One of the liveliest sessions dealt with Relations Between Parliament and the Media.  The topic was introduced by Colleen Soetaert of Alberta.  Daryl Reid of Manitoba chaired the session.

The seminar wound up with a presentation on problems related to the Forestry Industry by Brooke Taylor, Deputy Speaker of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly.  The session was chaired by Peter George Dyck of Manitoba.

Aside from the business sessions delegates were exposed to some traditional Newfoundland culture and hospitality which included a performance of “Paddy McGuinty’s Wake” at the Haymarket Square Dinner Theatre.  The closing dinner, hosted by Speaker Snow, showcased local entertainers including the Cantus Vocum Chamber Choir and the Ennis Sisters.

Delegates were unanimous in their praise of Speaker Snow and John Noel, Clerk of the Assembly for putting together such a successful event.  Next summer Newfoundland will be marking 1000 years of European settlement and several persons indicated their intention to return for a longer visit.