Friday 25 September 2015

Dr. Richard Starke - MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster

Father God, We are asking you today to give strength to Dr. Richard Starke, for the many decisions he must make that will affect the people of this province and the constituents of Vermillion – Lloydminster. Thank you that you also give him the wisdom and ability to clearly understand the complex issues in the everyday work before him. We ask that you would be with him and his family, protecting and keeping them safe. Amen

Richard Starke was elected to his second term as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Vermilion-Lloydminster on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing. He is also a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

Dr. Starke previously served as a member of the Treasury Board and the Standing Policy Committees on Health and Seniors, and Environment and Energy. During his first term he was also a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and served as chair of the Rural Health Care Review Panel.

Prior to that he had served as Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation and as chair of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministerial Group. In addition, he has served as a member of the following committees and boards: the Agenda and Priorities Committee, Operations and Policy Cabinet Committee, Southern Alberta Recovery Ministerial Task Force and the Families and Community Ministerial Group. He has also served as a member of the Legislature 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 and 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, when at the age of 25 he was elected alderman. He served 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, their Bernese Mountain Dog, Liesl, and two annoyingly affectionate cats. Both of their sons currently attend university.

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