Biography

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

Raised on a family farm near Wilcox, Saskatchewan, and with degrees from both the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan, Ralph Goodale 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 large rural constituency of Assiniboia. In the 1980's, he became provincial leader of the Saskatchewan Liberal Party and in 1986 was elected a Member of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly.

Ralph Goodale returned to the House of Commons as the M.P. of Regina-Wascana (now 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; as well
as Government House Leader. He has also carried responsibilities for the Canadian Wheat Board, Métis and Non-Status Indians and the resolution of Indian Residential Schools issues.

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