· The Parliamentary Leader of the New Democratic Party and the NDP critic for National Defence, Veterans Affairs, International Trade and Globalization

· Born and grew up in Transcona

· Received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies from the University of Winnipeg in 1973 and a Master of Divinity degree from the Toronto School of Theology in 1977

· From 1977 to 1979, worked as Director of a Special Outreach Ministry of the United Church in the North End of Winnipeg

· Ordained to the Ministry of the United Church of Canada in 1978

· First elected to the House of Commons in 1979 and has been re-elected six times

· Has served as the NDP social policy and health critic, as the NDP Member on the Special Parliamentary Task Force on Federal Provincial Fiscal Arrangements, Chair of the Federal NDP Caucus from 1983 to 1984 and from 1993 to 1996 and NDP House Leader from 1997 to 2003

· From 1984 to 1987, was the NDP environment critic, serving on the Standing Committee on Environment and Forestry and the Special Committee on Acid Rain

· In 1985-86, was chosen Vice-Chair of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Reform of the House of Commons

· From 1987 to 1990, served as the NDP external affairs critic and on the Standing Committee on External Affairs and International Trade

· In 1988, served on the Special Committee on the Peace Process in Central America

· In 1990, lead the NDP Campaign for Fair Taxes and was the NDP taxation policy critic, serving on the House Standing Committee on Finance.