Honourable Verlyn Olson, QC - MLA for Wetaskiwin-Camrose

We thank You Lord today for Honourable Verlyn Olson and the role that he fills as cabinet minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.   May he be aware of needs that must be addressed to keep this aspect of our province strong and moving ahead with success.  Protect him and keep him safe in his travels and may he experience health and well-being all through 2015.  Amen.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

Verlyn Olson, QC, was elected to his second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Wetaskiwin-Camrose on April 23, 2012. On May 8, 2012 he was named Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Mr. Olsen also serves as a member of the Government’s Agenda and Priorities Committee.

Mr. Olson previously served as Deputy House Leader. During his first term as MLA, he served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General. He also served as deputy chair on the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities; chair of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Workforce Planning Committee and as a member of the Cabinet Policy Committee on Public Health & Safety as well as on the Standing Committees on Public Accounts, Private Bills and Health.

Prior to serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Mr. Olson was a partner with the law firm Andreassen Olson Borth, where his practice focused primarily on real estate, wills, estates and counselling small businesses, assisting farmers, families, seniors and dependent adults.

Additionally, since 1987 Mr. Olson has spoken at various seminars covering topics such as farm estate planning, wills and enduring powers of attorney.

Mr. Olson received both his bachelor of arts in history with distinction and a bachelor of laws from the University of Alberta.

Born and raised in Camrose, Mr. Olson has a long history of community involvement, including coaching local baseball and hockey and membership with the following organizations:

• Viking Cup International Hockey Tournament Steering Committee
• The Bethany Group (Health Care/Seniors Housing Board)
• Alberta Motion Picture Development Corporation Board
• Camrose Sport Development Society
• Armena Athletic Association (chair)
• Camrose Lutheran College Corporation (Augustana University College) Board of Regents

He and his wife, Mardell, have three adult children and four grandchildren.