Gilbert Parent

Who was Gilbert Parent?

Gilbert "Gib" Parent, PC was a Canadian Member of Parliament. He is best known in his role of Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons between 1994 and 2001.

Parent was born on July 25, 1935, in Mattawa, Ontario and his janitor father moved the young family to Welland, Ontario. He went to St. Joseph's College on a football scholarship, and earned a teaching certificate from the Ontario College of Education.

Prior to his election to the House of Commons, he worked as a teacher and was vice-principal at Thorold Secondary School.