Born in Montreal, Quebec, Dr. Patry was a general practitioner and one of the founders of the Pierrefonds Medical Clinic.
During his time in Parliament, he notably served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development from 1996 to 1998.
He was also the Chair of Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade from 2002 to 2006.
In March 1998, he was awarded the title of "Chevalier" and in March 2003, the title of "Commandeur" of the Ordre de la Pléiade, which seeks to promote dialogue between francophone cultures.
Shortly after his arrival on Parliament Hill in 1993, Patry was active on a number of committees, including, inter alia: Patry further served as Vice-Chair of the Prime Minister's Task Force on Urban Affairs in 2001.