Wayne Lessard

Wayne Lessard (born January 12, 1956 in Windsor, Ontario) is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He served as a New Democratic Party Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) from 1990 to 1995, and again from 1997 to 1999.

Lessard was educated at the University of Windsor, and worked as a barrister and solicitor. In 1986, he has operated a private law practice specializing in workplace safety, real estate, criminal defence and other matters. He has served as an Assistant Crown Attorney and legal counsel for the Corporation of the City of Windsor.

He was first elected to the Ontario legislature in the 1990 provincial election, defeating incumbent Liberal Mike Ray by over 4,000 votes in the riding of Windsor—Walkerville. The NDP won its first (and to date only) majority government in this election. Lessard was not a major figure in the party caucus and was not appointed to cabinet, although he served as a parliamentary assistant from 1990 to 1995.

The NDP were defeated in the 1995 provincial election, and Lessard lost his seat to Liberal Dwight Duncan by 380 votes. He returned to the legislature two years later after winning a by-election in Windsor—Riverside, called after the resignation of Dave Cooke.

The province's electoral boundaries were radically altered between 1995 and 1999, and in the 1999 provincial election Lessard was forced to face Dwight Duncan again in the new riding of Windsor—St. Clair. Despite having the support of the Canadian Auto Workers, he lost by more than 4,000 votes.

Lessard continues to run a legal practice in Windsor.