This release was issued under a previous government.
The Honourable Thomas Lukaszuk, Deputy Premier of Alberta, will assume additional responsibilities as Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education. Deputy Premier Lukaszuk will drive a renewed innovation agenda on behalf of the Redford government focused on protecting Alberta’s gains and diversifying the province's economy to ensure long-term success.
Dr. Richard Starke, as Minister of Tourism, will work to expand the global reach of Alberta’s tourism efforts, focused on increasing visit and investment levels in Alberta, while seeking new opportunities to market Alberta's vast natural, cultural and entertainment attractions.
“Recognizing the impact of falling resource revenues on our bottom line, my government will lead by example with a smaller, more focused cabinet,” said Premier Redford. “These changes will allow us to continue to build Alberta by putting a priority on economic diversification and growth.”
“Mr. Lukaszuk’s and Dr. Starke’s leadership and experience will be invaluable in the tough decisions our government will make as we work through the effects of the bitumen bubble,” added Premier Redford. “I also want to thank Stephen Khan and Christine Cusanelli for their advice and significant efforts in advancing our government’s growth agenda over the past year.”
Backgrounder: Biographies of Deputy Premier Lukaszuk and Tourism Minister Starke
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Stefan Baranski
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
780-919-3898
[email protected]
@ABPremierComms
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
Biographies of Thomas Lukaszuk and Richard StarkeThe Honourable Thomas Lukaszuk
Deputy Premier and Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education
MLA, Edmonton-Castle Downs
Thomas Lukaszuk was elected to his fourth term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the constituency of Edmonton-Castle Downs on April 23, 2012. On May 8, 2012 he was sworn in as Deputy Premier and also serves as Chair of the government’s Operations Policy Committee.
Previously, Mr. Lukaszuk served as Minister of Education, Political Minister for Edmonton, Minister of Employment and Immigration and Parliamentary Assistant for Municipal Affairs.
Over the course of his elected service, Mr. Lukaszuk has served on a wide range of legislative and government committees. The areas of work have ranged from accountability, access to information and ethics in government to support for low-income and disabled Albertans, tourism marketing and human rights.
Born April 5, 1969, in Poland and raised in north Edmonton, Mr. Lukaszuk graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Alberta and taught in Edmonton schools before starting Injured Workers Advocates Inc., a firm designed to assist injured workers with work-related injury claims. Before becoming an MLA, he served on the Social Care Facilities Review Committee; the Citizens’ Appeal Panel (chair), which led to government policy changes to social benefits; and the Alberta Lotteries Review Committee. He conducted a review of Alberta daycares, foster homes, group homes and homeless shelters for the Minister of Children’s Services.
Mr. Lukaszuk has a history of involvement with community groups. He coached soccer through the Edmonton Northwood Community League, has been a Scout leader and is a strong supporter of the Hope Foundation. He is a past president of the Youth Friendship Society and a Knight of Columbus. He has been decorated with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for his community service and the Alberta Centennial Medal for his contributions to the province.
In his free time, Mr. Lukaszuk enjoys travelling, reading and spending time with his young family.
The Honourable Richard Starke
Minister of Tourism
MLA, Vermilion-Lloydminster
Richard Starke was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Vermilion-Lloydminster on April 23, 2012. He has served as Chair of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing. He was also a member of the Standing Committees on Private Bills, Public Accounts and Economic Futures.
Dr. Starke was born and raised in Edmonton. He attended the University of Alberta and later the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, where he graduated with a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) in 1983. Dr. Starke joined the Lloydminster Animal Hospital in 1983, became a partner in 1985 and was senior partner from 1990 until his retirement from practice in December 2011.
Dr. Starke first became interested in politics while in high school, when he participated in model parliamentary activities as a member of the TUXIS Parliament of Alberta. During his time in TUXIS Parliament he served in various Cabinet positions, as well as Premier and Speaker. He also represented Alberta at the first National Youth Parliament in Ottawa in 1980, serving as Minister of Energy. In 1985 he became the youngest person to be elected to city council in Lloydminster, becoming an alderman at the age of 25 and serving two terms, from 1985 to 1991.
An active member of his community, Dr. Starke has served as a member and board chair of the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation. He has been involved with the Rotary Club of Lloydminster and Rotary International since the late 1980s, and he is a founding member of Lloydminster’s German Heritage Society. He has also served as director of coaching and programs for the Lloydminster Border Blades Speed Skating Club.
Dr. Starke lives north of Lloydminster in the Durness district with his wife, Alison. Both of their sons currently attend university.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Stefan Baranski
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
780-919-3898
[email protected]
@ABPremierComms
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
Backgrounder
Biographies of Thomas Lukaszuk and Richard Starke
The Honourable Thomas Lukaszuk
Deputy Premier and Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education
MLA, Edmonton-Castle Downs
Thomas Lukaszuk was elected to his fourth term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the constituency of Edmonton-Castle Downs on April 23, 2012. On May 8, 2012 he was sworn in as Deputy Premier and also serves as Chair of the government’s Operations Policy Committee.
Previously, Mr. Lukaszuk served as Minister of Education, Political Minister for Edmonton, Minister of Employment and Immigration and Parliamentary Assistant for Municipal Affairs.
Over the course of his elected service, Mr. Lukaszuk has served on a wide range of legislative and government committees. The areas of work have ranged from accountability, access to information and ethics in government to support for low-income and disabled Albertans, tourism marketing and human rights.
Born April 5, 1969, in Poland and raised in north Edmonton, Mr. Lukaszuk graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Alberta and taught in Edmonton schools before starting Injured Workers Advocates Inc., a firm designed to assist injured workers with work-related injury claims. Before becoming an MLA, he served on the Social Care Facilities Review Committee; the Citizens’ Appeal Panel (chair), which led to government policy changes to social benefits; and the Alberta Lotteries Review Committee. He conducted a review of Alberta daycares, foster homes, group homes and homeless shelters for the Minister of Children’s Services.
Mr. Lukaszuk has a history of involvement with community groups. He coached soccer through the Edmonton Northwood Community League, has been a Scout leader and is a strong supporter of the Hope Foundation. He is a past president of the Youth Friendship Society and a Knight of Columbus. He has been decorated with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for his community service and the Alberta Centennial Medal for his contributions to the province.
In his free time, Mr. Lukaszuk enjoys travelling, reading and spending time with his young family.
The Honourable Richard Starke
Minister of Tourism
MLA, Vermilion-Lloydminster
Richard Starke was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Vermilion-Lloydminster on April 23, 2012. He has served as Chair of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing. He was also a member of the Standing Committees on Private Bills, Public Accounts and Economic Futures.
Dr. Starke was born and raised in Edmonton. He attended the University of Alberta and later the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, where he graduated with a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) in 1983. Dr. Starke joined the Lloydminster Animal Hospital in 1983, became a partner in 1985 and was senior partner from 1990 until his retirement from practice in December 2011.
Dr. Starke first became interested in politics while in high school, when he participated in model parliamentary activities as a member of the TUXIS Parliament of Alberta. During his time in TUXIS Parliament he served in various Cabinet positions, as well as Premier and Speaker. He also represented Alberta at the first National Youth Parliament in Ottawa in 1980, serving as Minister of Energy. In 1985 he became the youngest person to be elected to city council in Lloydminster, becoming an alderman at the age of 25 and serving two terms, from 1985 to 1991.
An active member of his community, Dr. Starke has served as a member and board chair of the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation. He has been involved with the Rotary Club of Lloydminster and Rotary International since the late 1980s, and he is a founding member of Lloydminster’s German Heritage Society. He has also served as director of coaching and programs for the Lloydminster Border Blades Speed Skating Club.
Dr. Starke lives north of Lloydminster in the Durness district with his wife, Alison. Both of their sons currently attend university.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Stefan Baranski
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
780-919-3898
[email protected]
@ABPremierComms
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.