Gerard Jennissen

Gerard Jennissen (born February 22, 1942) is an educator and former politician in Manitoba, Canada. He was a member of the Manitoba legislature from 1995 to 2011.

The son of Johannes Jennissen and Elizabeth Houben, he was born in Slek-Echt, in the province of Limburg in the Netherlands. Jennissen graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1966 with degrees in Arts and Education, and received a Master of Arts degree in Communication in 1969. He taught English at Rose Valley High School in Saskatchewan for three years, and worked for Frontier Collegiate Institute from 1972 to 1994. In 1970, he married Lisa Sonnen. He has also been involved in several peace and justice organizations operating in the third world.

Jennissen became involved in the New Democratic Party in the early 1960s, after hearing Tommy Douglas speak in Saskatchewan. He continued his NDP affiliation after moving to Manitoba. 2732 votes to 2017. Also in 1995, he supported Lorne Nystrom's bid to lead the federal New Democratic Party.

He was re-elected by a wider margin in the 1999 election, and received over 73% support in the 2003 election. In 2003, he supported Bill Blaikie's campaign to lead the federal NDP.

He was re-elected in the 2007 provincial election. Jennissen did not run for reelection in 2011.