George Groeneveld
George Groeneveld | |
---|---|
MLA for Highwood | |
In office 2004–2012 | |
Preceded by | Don Tannas |
Succeeded by | Danielle Smith |
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Alberta government | |
In office December 15, 2006 – January 15, 2010 | |
Preceded by | Doug Horner |
Succeeded by | Jack Hayden |
Personal details | |
Born | 1940/1941 (age 74–75)[1] Blackie, Alberta, Alberta |
Political party | Progressive Conservative |
Spouse(s) | Judith |
Occupation | farmer |
Religion | United |
George Groeneveld (born 1940 or 1941) is a Canadian politician and was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta representing the constituency of Highwood as a Progressive Conservative.
Early life
Groeneveld was born in Blackie, Alberta. Agriculture has long been an important part of his life, both personally and professionally. In addition to owning and operating a family farm, Groeneveld served as regional director of the Alberta Wheat Pool. In this role, he attended the Canadian International Grains Institute, expanding his knowledge of the handling, marketing, and commercial applications for a variety of crops. Groeneveld also holds the distinction of being Agricore United's first vice-president.
Political career
Groeneveld first sought public office in the 2004 provincial election in the constituency of Highwood. In that election, he received 64% of the vote. In 2006, following the leadership race for the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta, newly elected Premier Ed Stelmach appointed Groeneveld as Minister of Agriculture and Food. In the 2008 provincial election that followed, Groeneveld secured his position as MLA for Highwood with 65% of the vote. In March 2008, he was reappointed as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Personal life
Groeneveld is married to Judith. The couple has four children together. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and attending his grandchildren's hockey games. Groeneveld also ensures that he remains true to his roots, making time to assist his son with the cattle at the family farm. He is an active member of his community and Gladys United Church.[2]
Election results
Alberta general election, 2004: Highwood | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ∆% | ||||
Progressive Conservative | George Groeneveld | 6,737 | 63.59% | -16.30% | ||||
Liberal | Lori Czerwinski | 1,846 | 17.43% | 5.44% | ||||
Alliance | Brian Wickhorst | 731 | 6.90% | |||||
Greens | Sheelagh Matthews | 547 | 5.16% | 1.68% | ||||
New Democratic | Catherine Costen | 433 | 4.09% | -0.55% | ||||
Separation | Cory Morgan | 300 | 2.83% | |||||
Total | 10,594 | |||||||
Rejected, Spoiled and Declined | 81 | |||||||
Eligible Electors / Turnout | 23,519 | 45.39% | ||||||
Progressive Conservative hold | Swing | -10.87% | ||||||
Source: "Highwood Statement of Official Results 2004 Alberta general election" (PDF). Elections Alberta. Retrieved March 30, 2010. |
2008 Alberta general election results ( Highwood ) | Turnout 42.7% | |||
Affiliation | Candidate | Votes | % | |
Progressive Conservative | George Groeneveld | 7,716 | 65% | |
Liberal | Stan Shedd | 1,647 | 14% | |
Greens | John Barrett | 690 | 6% | |
NDP | Carolyn Boulton | 392 | 3% | |
Wildrose Alliance | Daniel W. Doherty | 1,405 | 12% |