Born in Béthune, Belgium, Henri-François Gautrin is a physicist by training, specialized in mathematical physics. He holds a B.A. in science from the University of Montreal, a Master’s degree in science from McGill University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Dijon. He also studied economics and public finances at the Institute for Political studies and the École des ponts et chaussées, both in Paris. Prior to entering politics, Dr. Gautrin was tenured professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics of the University of Montreal.

Father of three children, Henri-François Gautrin was first elected MNA for Verdun in 1989, and was re-elected five times since. In the liberal cabinet, he was Minister for e-government from February 2005 to February 2006, and then Minister of Government services until April of 2007. A member of the Public Administration Commission and President of the Quebec chapter of the Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly (APF), he is current Deputy Parliamentary Leader of the government in the National Assembly.