Biography

Pat Martin

Member of Parliament, Winnipeg Centre
Treasury Board and Public Works and Government Services
Crown Corporations
Deputy Critic Agriculture (Canada Wheat Board)
Deputy Critic Energy (Energy Retrofits)

• Elected the MP for Winnipeg Centre in 1997; re-elected in 2000, 2004, 2006 and 2008
• As Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics, Pat helped strengthen the Federal Accountability Act, adding tough new measures to fight patronage
• A leader in the NDP fight against government waste and corruption, Pat is also a founding member of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption
• Has worked successfully on such issues as eliminating trans fats from manufactured foods, raising awareness about the danger of asbestos-laden Zonolite insulation, and fighting against the outrageous interest rates and fees charged by ‘fringe’ banks and payday lenders
• The Assembly of First Nations honoured him with the spiritual name ‘Soong-Wi-Wi-Itong’ (‘Strong Eagle Speaking Spirit’) for his work for Aboriginal rights in Ottawa, including fighting for compensation for survivors of Canada's Residential Schools
• A former miner, carpenter and unionist, Pat is an ardent defender of workers’ rights and he achieved bankruptcy protection for workers’ wages with his Workers First Bill

 

Pat Martin was first elected Member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre in 1997. He is now in his fifth term as Winnipeg Centre’s MP, having been re-elected by progressively larger margins in 2000, 2004, 2006, and 2008.

He has served as the NDP’s national spokesperson and critic in a number of portfolios including Labour, Aboriginal Affairs, Immigration, Public Accounts, Government Services and Operations. He is currently vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Pat left home after graduating from Argyle High School to work throughout Northern and Western Canada in the asbestos mines, the oil rigs, the forestry industry and construction.
He is a certified Journeyman Carpenter with an Inter-provincial Red Seal ticket having served his apprenticeship indentured to the Carpenters Union.

Before becoming involved in politics Pat was a Union leader, serving as the elected Business Manager for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America for the province of Manitoba.

Pat’s move to politics evolved naturally from his work with the trade union movement advocating for fair wages and working conditions for the people he represented. Elevating the standard of living conditions and providing opportunities for the constituents of his inner-city riding remain his top priorities.

 

Pat’s career highlights: 

Succeeded in having Parliament vote to Ban harmful Transfats

Honoured with Spiritual name “Strong Eagle Speaking Spirit” by Assembly of First Nations for leading the opposition to First Nations Governance Act

Leading the fight to ban asbestos and protect Canadians from harmful Zonolite insulation - pressing the government to institute a testing and removal program to protect the health of the hundreds of thousands of Canadians whose homes are contaminated with this deadly insulation;

Recieved an Energy Innovation from the Minister of Energy “A Brighter Future – Job Creation through Energy Conservation” a study on the demand side management of energy

Leading the charge to protect garment industry jobs – forcing the government to sign a duty remission order, giving Winnipeg's garment manufacturers a fighting chance;

Achieved rare all-party agreement to send his pension protection bill – the Workers First Bill – to a parliamentary committee, which led to the government introducing some bankruptcy protection for workers wages

Worked with survivors and church groups to get the government to stop wasting money on bureaucrats and lawyers and finally compensate survivors of Canada's Residential Schools

Championed the fight against the outrageous interest rates and fees charged by 'fringe' banks and payday lenders.

 

New Democrat Pat Martin of Winnipeg emerges as perhaps the most well-rounded MP…”
Sue Bailey, Globe and Mail – June 7th, 2005

“….a straight shooter…”
Peter Mansbridge, CBC One on One – March 2005

“New Democrat MP Pat Martin…the refreshingly outspoken MP….”
Greg Weston, Toronto Sun – March 15th, 2007

“…The Winnipeg MP [Pat Martin] is a maverick to be sure…”
John Ivison, National Post – March 14th, 2007

“…Winnipeg NDP MP Pat Martin has been an outspoken advocate against trans fats…”
Mia Rabson, Winnipeg Free Press – June 29th, 2006