Candidate: Ed Shields

Out of 308 Members of Parliament, there are none with scientific doctorates.

“We have all these science issues and yet we have no politician, no Parliamentarian who can really understand complex science,” said Ed Shields, the Green Party of Canada candidate for Thunder Bay-Rainy River.

Shields, 66, retired to Neebing three years ago after spending 30 years as a medical geneticist teaching and researching at McGill University.

Before the May 2 federal election was called, 77 per cent of the MPs were either businesspeople or lawyers. With science at the center of so many issues, Shields hopes to get other scientists involved in government, not just nationally, but locally. 

With his background, Shields said he understands the scientific community and the region needs to recruit the young people working in laboratories across North America in biotechnology and green manufacturing.

“That’s really my role – to get those kind of people to our area for this whole new economy,” he said, calling it the third industrial revolution.

“It’s a massive change in our society and I just don’t hear anything about it in Thunder Bay,” he added, citing Genesis Genomics as an example of cutting edge biotechnology happening in the city.

By focusing on this “new economy,” Shields said the area could build a brand new economic engine, not just the same old stuff and with this innovative economy comes new jobs.

Originally from Wisconsin, Shields has lived in Africa, Europe and New Guinea; he has a PhD in dentistry as well as human genetics and said the day he retired, he hopped in his truck and headed to Thunder Bay.

“It’s just a wonderful place to live and I’ve enjoyed every day of it even through the snowstorms,” he said, adding the Neebing area called to him because he grew up on a farm.
Shields was inspired to throw his hat into the election ring after watching his son complete two tours in Afghanistan with the Canadian Armed Forces.

“I figured ‘what have I done for Canada?’” he said. “He’s sacrificed life and limb and brain and I haven’t done anything. I’m going to do something for Canada, stand up for my kid.”

The Green Party platform resonated with him; it covers everything from the economy to the family, Shields said.

“If we can get Elizabeth (May) and a few candidates in, I think we will be the future for Canadian politics because we’re different,” he said. “We’re new and we’re looking for the future, not the past.”