Gary Goodyear

Gary Goodyear

Gary Goodyear (born March 10, 1958) is a Canadian politician and chiropractor. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Conservative Party in the Cambridge riding from 2004 to 2015. During his tenure in Parliament, Goodyear was appointed to several key positions, including Minister of State for Science and Technology from 2008 to 2013, a role in which he was responsible for overseeing Canada's science and technology policy and funding.

Early Life and Education

Gary Goodyear was born in Cambridge, Ontario. He pursued higher education in the field of health sciences and graduated as a chiropractor. Before entering politics, Goodyear ran a chiropractic practice in Cambridge, where he was also active in various community and professional organizations.

Political Career

Goodyear's political career began when he was elected as the MP for Cambridge in the 2004 federal election. He was re-elected in the 2006, 2008, and 2011 elections, serving over a decade in the House of Commons. As an MP, Goodyear was known for his work on health and science issues, reflecting his professional background.

In 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed Goodyear as the Minister of State for Science and Technology. In this capacity, Goodyear played a significant role in shaping Canada's approach to science and technology, including investments in research and development, and the promotion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. His tenure saw the introduction and expansion of several federal science and technology initiatives.

Goodyear's approach and policies in the science and technology portfolio were sometimes subject to criticism, including debates over research funding priorities and the government's stance on scientific communication.

Post-Political Career

After leaving politics following the 2015 federal election, Goodyear returned to the private sector. He has remained involved in various advisory and consultancy roles, leveraging his experience in politics, science, and technology.

Legacy

Gary Goodyear's political career is marked by his contributions to Canada's science and technology sector. His efforts to promote STEM and his role in shaping federal science policy are notable aspects of his legacy. However, his tenure also reflects the broader challenges and controversies associated with science and technology governance in Canada.

See Also

• Conservative Party of Canada
• Science and technology in Canada
• Federal science policy of Canada