First elected to the House of Commons in a 2003 by-election, Gary Schellenberger was re-elected in the general elections of 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2011. While working in Ottawa for the people of Perth-Wellington, Gary has served as chair of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage—a parliamentary committee made up of MPs from all parties.  Gary has also proudly served as Chair on the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs.

Gary was born and raised in Sebringville, a small community in the heart of Perth-Wellington, where he and his wife Judy still live today. Professionally, he has met the challenges of operating a family painting and decorating business for over 40 years.

Serving the community is second nature to Gary. For 12 years, Gary served on the municipal council for Downie Township, which became the Township of Perth South. Through this experience, Gary gained a keen understanding of the needs of rural and small-town Ontario.

In addition, Gary served as a member of the Perth East Firefighters for 14 years, as a board member on the Stratford Agricultural Society, and as an elder at Avonton Church. The Stratford-on-Avon Shrine Club also benefited from Gary’s dedication.

When his community needs help, Gary can be counted on to get things done. In 1996, he personally raised $26,000 in support of the Sebringville Community Centre and the Sebringville Athletic Association by walking from Tobermory to Sebringville—a distance of over 250 kilometers.

Gary and Judy have three children and seven grandchildren.