Mrs. Leskiw was elected to her first term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Bonnyville-Cold Lake on March 3, 2008. She is the first Ukrainian and the first female to represent the Bonnyville-Cold Lake constituency. Mrs. Leskiw currently serves as a member of the Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing Committee and the Special Standing Committee on Members’s Services.

Prior to her service as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta Mrs. Leskiw taught elementary school. In addition to teaching Ukrainian for almost 30 years, during her teaching career Mrs. Leskiw introduced an extensive cultural program and was active in leadership and students’s union.

In 1995 Mrs. Leskiw was nominated for an Excellence in Teaching Award, and in 2005 she was honoured with an Alberta Centennial Award.

Mrs. Leskiw is very active in her community and has volunteered with various organizations/associations, including:

• Kiev’s-K-Hi Ukrainian Youth Camp
• St. Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church
• St. Elias Women’s Organization
• Lakeland Ukrainian Association, president
• Bonnyville Bingo Association, board member
• Teacher/Board Liaison Committee
• Alberta Teachers’ Association local school representative
• Advisory Council on Alberta-Ukraine Relations

In addition, Mrs. Leskiw is a member of the Bonnyville Ukrainian choir and her local church choir.

In her spare time Mrs. Leskiw enjoys writing Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs), working with seniors, camping and traveling.

Mrs. Leskiw lives in Bonnyville with her husband, Ron. They have two children, David and Lynna.

April 16, 2008