Gerry Mercier

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gerald Mercier (born November 9, 1942 in Claresholm, Alberta) is a politician in Manitoba, Canada. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba from 1977 to 1988, and was a prominent cabinet minister in the Progressive Conservative government of Sterling Lyon.

Mercier was educated at St. Paul's College and the University of Manitoba Law School, and practiced as a lawyer before entering political life. He served on the Winnipeg City Council from 1971 to 1977, when he shifted to the provincial scene. On one occasion, he served as Chair of the city's Works and Operation Committee.

In the provincial election of 1977, Mercier was elected in the central Winnipeg riding of Osborne over incumbent New Democrat Ian Turnbull by 96 votes. The Progressive Conservatives won a majority government in this election, and on October 24, 1977, Mercier was appointed Attorney-General, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister of Urban Affairs. The latter two positions were merged as one ministry on October 20, 1978, and were separated again on November 15, 1979 when Mercier was named Urban Affairs minister and Government House Leader. He also had responsibility for the Liquor Control Act between October 20, 1978 and 1981. Notwithstanding the changes in name, Mercier had essentially the same responsibilities through the entirety of the Lyon government.

Lyon's government was defeated in the 1981 election, although Mercier successfully sought re-election in the safe Tory seat of St. Norbert rather than in the marginal Osborne riding. He was re-elected in the 1986 election. Mercier held a unique position in caucus for the next few years, being one of the few individuals who was on friendly terms with supporters of party leader Gary Filmon and potential challengers Clayton Manness and Don Orchard.

Ironically, he lost a narrow contest against Liberal John Angus in the 1988 election, in the Progressive Conservatives formed a minority government under Gary Filmon. Mercier would have certainly returned to cabinet, had he been re-elected.

He has not sought a return to provincial politics since his defeat. Mercier is currently an Associate Chief Justice in the Family Division of the Court of Queen's Bench of Manitoba.