Gary Masyk (born 1960) is an Albertan businessman and politician.

Born in High Prairie , Masyk owned Garco Oilfield Service and Masyk Lumber Company before entering politics. He was elected to the Alberta Legislative Assembly as a Progressive Conservative to represent Edmonton-Norwood in 2001. Masyk once attracted controversy when he advocated sending criminals to work in salt mines. Masyk is probably best known for his highly controversial comments that ran in an Edmonton Journal column on February 27, 2003; elaborating on his proposal to send repeat offenders to Russian salt mines, Masyk seemingly praised the hardline intimidation tactics employed in Soviet Union gulags during the Stalinist era. Appearing to disparage human rights, Masyk was forced by Premier Ralph Klein to issue an apology on the following day.

On June 29, 2004, Masyk left the Tory caucus after Premier Ralph Klein's health care policies became an issue and, according to Masyk, a factor in the outcome of the 2004 Canadian federal election. Masyk blamed Klein for the federal Tory defeat and joined the upstart Alberta Alliance, becoming that party's first MLA. However, it was more likely that Masyk's defection was an act of defiance to a party that chastized him and removed his seat from the Edmonton electoral map, making it difficult for Masyk to gain a new Conservative nomination.

Prior to the 26th Alberta general election, the Edmonton—Norwood electoral district was merged with Edmonton—Highlands. Although Masyk sought re-election in the November 22 vote, he ran in Edmonton—Decore to avoiding a run against the popular Alberta NDP leader, Brian Mason.

Unfortunately for Masyk, the Alliance proved to have little support in a city which was more interested in supporting a tight three-way race between the Tories, Liberals and NDP. On election day, Masyk placed fourth.

External links

• Legislative Assembly of Alberta (Gary Masyk)
• Alberta Alliance Party