Ralph Goodale

Ralph Goodale became the House Leader of the Official Opposition on February 10, 2006 following his sixth successful election as a Liberal Member of Parliament from Saskatchewan.

Raised on a family farm near Wilcox, Saskatchewan, Mr. Goodale is a graduate of the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. He has practical experience in business, agriculture, law and broadcasting, as well as federal and provincial politics.

He was first elected in 1974 to represent the federal constituency of Assiniboia. In the 1980s, he became the provincial leader of the Saskatchewan Liberal Party and in 1986 was elected a Member of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Goodale returned to the House of Commons as the MP for Regina-Wascana in 1993 and was re-elected consecutively in 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006 and 2008.

Through more than 12 years of Liberal government, he served variously as Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Public Works and Finance. He also served as Government House Leader. He has carried responsibilities for the Canadian Wheat Board, Communication Canada, Métis and Non-Status Indians and the resolution of Indian Residential Schools issues.

Ralph Goodale and his wife, Pamela, make their home in Regina.