Rick Dykstra was first elected to the House of Commons in 2006 and re-elected in 2008 and 2011. Mr. Dykstra was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage in September 2013.

Previously, he served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration in November 2008.

Prior to entering federal politics, he was a partner in a public affairs business operating out of Niagara and Toronto. Mr. Dykstra also spent five years working in a number of roles in the Ontario provincial government, including as Director of Caucus Relations for two provincial premiers, and Chief of Staff to the Minister of Community and Social Services. He has also served as a member of the Niagara Parks Commission.

Mr. Dykstra has a degree in political science from Brock University, and a Master's Certificate in project management from Schulich School of Business at York University.

Mr. Dykstra and his wife, Kathy, are lifelong residents of St. Catharines and have three children.