Honourable Richard Starke - MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster

Lord, we are grateful today for the Honourable Dr. Richard Starke who is serving the communities of Vermilion  - Lloydminster.  We ask You Lord to guide him in his many day to day tasks and lead him as he considers future endeavors.  May he continue to bring strong leadership to community and business initiatives.  Bless him and his family with new strength and vitality.  Amen.

Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation

Richard Starke was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Vermilion-Lloydminster on April 23, 2012. He was sworn-in as Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation on February 8, 2013.

Dr. Starke serves as a member of the Agenda and Priorities Committee, Operations and Policy Cabinet Committee, Families and Community Ministerial Group, and Natural Resources and Environment Ministerial Group. Dr. Starke also serves as chair of the Private Members Business Committee.

In addition, he previously chaired the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and served as a member of the Standing Committees on Alberta’s Economic Future, Public Accounts and Private Bills.

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.