Gerry Martiniuk, former Cambridge MPP, dies at age 78

Former Cambridge MPP Gerry Martiniuk speaks with CTV News in this file image taken from video.

A man who represented Cambridge at Queen’s Park for more than a decade has died at the age of 78.

Gerry Martiniuk was first elected as the city’s MPP in 1995. He won re-election in 1999, 2003 and 2007, and retired from politics prior to the 2011 election.

As a member of the Progressive Conservatives, he served as parliamentary assisted to the Attorney General from 1998 until 2000.

When the Liberals took power in 2003, Martiniuk became a regular member of the PCs’ shadow cabinet – serving as their critic on everything from labour to seniors’ issues.

Prior to his time in provincial politics, Martiniuk was a municipal councillor and a public school trustee.