Dear Jesus, we pray for the HonourableDr. Richard Starke, that you would be with him and help him in the stress and
pressure that he faces day by day. May he experience strength and guidance for
the many tasks he has to do. We pray also that you would bless him and his
family with good health and be with them. 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.
March
15, 2013