MLA Gary Bikman Cardston-Taber

MLA Gary Bikman Cardston-Taber
February 12, 2013
Dear Lord, we pray for Mr. Gary Bikman. Thank you God for giving him success in the important role he plays in our society and I pray that you would continue to give him wisdom and clarity of thought as he assists in the governance of our province. Take away any stress and give him peace of mind. Let him feel encouraged as he makes his community a better place. Bless him and his family, keep them safe, healthy and successful throughout their lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Gary Bikman was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Cardston-Taber-Warner on April 23, 2012. He was appointed deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future on May 28, 2012.

Mr. Bikman was born and raised in southern Alberta. He holds a bachelor’s of science degree and a master’s in business administration degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Mr. Bikman has extensive business experience, having successfully owned and managed an oilfield service company for 25 years. He cofounded and led ChopStix Restaurants from 2006 to 2010 and ChopStix International Franchising Inc. from 2010 to 2012. Mr. Bikman is also an experienced and dedicated educator, having been a sessional instructor at the University of Lethbridge’s faculty of management and at Lethbridge College.

An active member of his community, Mr. Bikman has frequently served as Stirling’s mayor, deputy mayor and councillor since 1980. He has also served intermittently as a member of the Chinook Arch Regional Library Board and as a scout leader in the village of Stirling.


Mr. Bikman and his first wife, Suzy, moved to Stirling in 1972. She died of cancer in 1989, leaving their nine children motherless. He later met and married Sheila Cooper-Leavitt. Together with her four children their blended family totals 13, with 33 1/3 grandchildren. They continue to reside in Stirling.
In his spare time he enjoys sports, yard work, leading self-employment workshops and teaching ethics and morality to teenagers. He is also an avid reader.
June 6, 2012