Meet Stockwell Day
For over 25 years, Stockwell Day has been at the forefront of public policy development at the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government.
During his career, he served as entrepreneur, community leader and educator, a Member of the Alberta Legislature, a Member of the Parliament, a high profile provincial and federal cabinet minister, and Canada’s Leader of Her Majesty’s Official Opposition.
At every stage, he has worked tirelessly to advocate for Canadians and sought to represent the values and principles that were instilled in him from his grandparents, parents and his community: hard-work, faith, and accountability to oneself and others.
Mr. Day was elected as the MLA for the riding of Red Deer-North in 1986. He later served in Alberta’s Cabinet, holding a variety of senior roles including: Chief Whip, Government house Leader, Minister of Labour and Minister of Social Services. From 1997 to 2000, he was Alberta’s Provincial Treasurer (Minister of Finance) and Acting Premier.
In 2000, Mr. Day entered federal politics, running successfully for the leadership of the Canadian Alliance (now part of the Conservative Party of Canada).
Under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Stockwell was appointed Minister of Public Safety, where he was responsible for the national police force, federal prisons, border security, and security intelligence.
He went on to serve Canada as Minister of International Trade, Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Regional Minister for British Columbia, where he advanced economic and trade interests for the province. He was also appointed Chair of the Cabinet on Afghanistan, and in 2010 he was made President of the Treasury Board.
In 2018, Stockwell was named as a 40th Anniversary Honouree by the Canada China Business Council, an award for individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada-China relations and economic engagement through their work in business, government, academia, and civil society.
He has appeared weekly on CBC News Network’s Power & Politics and is a regular commentator in national and international media.
He also holds an Honorary Doctorate, Law in Advanced Democracy and Human Rights from St. Petersburg University, and an Honorary Doctorate from Trinity Western University.
Stockwell currently resides in British Columbia with his wife Valorie. They have 3 children and 14 grandchildren. He enjoys ocean kayaking and marathon running.
A Matter of Record
Ran in nine general elections
Successful in all nine.
Elected provincially and federally, and in two different provinces.
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
Minister of Labour Province of Alberta: 1993
- Tasked with overseeing the reduction of a $650 million liability at the Workers’ Compensation Board. Completed.
- Oversaw reduction of overall rates to employers and an increase in benefits to injured workers.
- Negotiated a 5% across the board wage reduction with all public unions; and was accomplished without breaking any labour union contracts.
- Had the lowest number of hours lost for wage disputes in any province.
- Initiated the program of training and certification allowing qualified/certified citizen involvement in registering as inspectors in all areas of building and labour trades.
Minister of Social Services
- Ongoing program of offering training and/or education to passive social service recipients who were capable of moving off of assistance into work or education programs.
- As Chair of the Forum of Provincial Ministers of Social Services negotiated with the Federal Minister (Hon. Pierre Pettigrew) an increase in the Child Tax Credit without the intrusion of the federal government into any provincial programs.
Minister of Finance (Provincial Treasurer)
- Ongoing and completed work leading to official deficit illumination, balanced budget legislation, and Canada‘s first and only single rate (flat tax income) tax.
- On an invitation from the government of Mpulanga in South Africa, worked with officials to help the new, post-apartheid government establish a successfully functioning department of finance in that province.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
As leader of the newly formed federal party, the Canadian Alliance, forged relationships with many from the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. In the ensuing federal election (a snap call by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien only months after the formation of the Canadian Alliance) saw an increase in number of seats across the country; outperformed all other opposition parties (reduced the legacy Progressive Conservative Party to 13 seats) becoming the Leader of the Official Opposition; increased voter support by over 1 million votes across the country and set fundraising records to that point in time in Canadian elections.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Federal Minister of Public Safety
- Appointed Canada‘s first female Superintendent of RCMP.
First time in history Canada Border Service Agency officers permitted to have firearms.
Established terrorism security arrangements with several countries.
Worked with USA Secretary of Homeland Security to establish regulations related to security clearances at airports.
Developed legislation relative to scope of activities that can be overseen by CSIS.
Chair of Cabinet Committee on Afghanistan
- Responsible for quarterly reports on activities and achievements of Canadian military in Afghanistan.
Canada’s Minister of International Trade
- Initiated and/or completed highest number of Trade Agreements under World Trade Organization guidelines.
Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific
- Opened up trade arrangements with a number of Asian nations including China, Vietnam, Singapore, Philippines and Israel.
Recognition
Canada China Business Council
Lifetime Achievement Award for the Advancement of Canada/China Relations
B'Nai B'rith 2019 Award of Merit
Lifetime of Friendship and Solidarity with the Jewish Community and Isreal
IJO 'Chamah' 2019 Pillar of Isreal Award
Peter Lougheed Forum For Public Policy Award 2019
For Leadership in Public Policy