Biography

Richard Neufeld has publicly served the people of British Columbia and Canada for nearly four decades.

First elected to represent the riding of Peace River North in 1991 in the Provincial Legislature, Mr. Neufeld was re-elected on three separate occasions in 1996, 2001 and again in 2005.  He also served on the town Council of Fort Nelson, including five years as Mayor. Prior to his involvement in politics, Mr. Neufeld owned and operated his own business.

From 1991 to 2001, aside from serving as the Opposition Whip for five consecutive years, Mr. Neufeld served the BC Provincial Legislature as critic in the following portfolios: Transportation, Agriculture, Aboriginal Affairs, Energy and Mines, Consumer Affairs and Environment Lands and Parks.

From 2001 to 2009, Mr. Neufeld served in the Government of British Columbia as Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. He also served on the following Provincial Cabinet Committees: Core Review and Deregulation, Environment and Land Use, Natural Resources and Economy, Treaties, Treasury Board, New Relationship Coordination and Climate Action.

Richard Neufeld was appointed to the Senate of Canada on the advice of Prime Minister Stephen Harper on January 2^nd, 2009. Since his appointment, he has served on a number of Senate Standing Committees. He served as Deputy Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance from 2010 to 2011 and has been the Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources since 2013.

Born on November 6^th, 1944, he is married to Montana Currie and they have four grown children.