Janis Tarchuk was first elected on March 11, 1997, and is serving her fourth term as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Banff-Cochrane.

Ms.Tarchuk previously served as Minister of Children and Youth Services and Minister of Children’s Services.

As a resident of the Bow Valley for over 30 years, Ms. Tarchuk’s history of community involvement covers health, education, tourism and the environment. Prior to her work in provincial politics she was chair of the Headwaters Health Authority board, a trustee with the Canadian Rockies School Division, an executive member of the Alberta School Boards Association, a director of Jubilee Insurance and a board member of the Alberta Educational Technology and Research Foundation. Her work experience includes financial planning and residential sales as well as involvement in several sectors of the tourism industry.

Ms. Tarchuk has extensive experience chairing key committees, including the standing policy committees on Economic Development and Finance and Health and Safe Communities. She has been active on committees addressing tourism marketing, justice and sustainable development.

Born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Ms. Tarchuk attended the University of Guelph, where she received her bachelor of arts degree, majoring in political science. Her personal interests include reading, skiing, hiking and swimming. She also enjoys the many cultural opportunities to be found in the Bow Valley.

Ms. Tarchuk and her husband, Byron, live in Banff and have two grown children.

January 15, 2010