Deron Bilous Explained

Honorific-Prefix:The Honourable
Deron Bilous
Smallimage:Deron Bilous 2015.jpg
Caption:Bilous in 2015
Birth Date:7 October 1975
Birth Place:Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Residence:Edmonton, Alberta
Office:Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Alberta
Term Start:October 22, 2015
Term End:April 30, 2019
Predecessor:Clint Dunford
Successor:Tanya Fir
Office1:Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview
Term Start1:April 23, 2012
Term End1:May 29, 2023
Predecessor1:Tony Vandermeer
Successor1:Peggy Wright
Party:New Democrat
Portfolio:Minister of Economic Development and Trade
Occupation:Teacher
Alma Mater:University of Alberta

Deron Michael Bilous (born October 7, 1975) is a Canadian politician, who served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the riding of Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview, between 2012 and 2023.[1] He was a member of the Alberta New Democratic Party caucus.[2]

Early life

Bilous was born and raised in Edmonton and is very proud of his Ukrainian ancestry. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a bachelor of education degree in 2001. For the past five years he has taught and mentored students at Edmonton's Inner City High School.

Political career

Bilous was NDP candidate in Edmonton-Centre in the 2008 provincial election, losing to Laurie Blakeman.

He was elected when he tried again in the 2012 provincial election.

He was re-elected in the 2015 election, which saw the NDP win a majority government. Bilous was named to the cabinet as Minister of Municipal Affairs and the Minister in Charge of Service Alberta on May 24, 2015.[3]

On October 22, 2015, his position in cabinet changed to Minister of Economic Development and Trade. He also was named Deputy Government House Leader.[4] [5]

On April 16, 2019, Bilous was re-elected for his third term in the Legislative Assembly, although his party lost enough seats to no longer be in government.[6] He then served as the Official Opposition Critic for Economic Development and Innovation.

In August 2022, Bilous announced he would retire at the 2023 Alberta general election.[7]

Outside interests

An active volunteer in his community, Bilous has been a member of the Beverly Heights Community League and vice-president of the Boyle Street Community League. From 2008 to 2011 he served as a board member on the Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee.

Bilous participated in the Canada World Youth program in 1995–96, working in Edmonton, Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, and Tunisia.[2]

Electoral history

2008 general election

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Alberta Election 2012: NDP picks up support, falls short of goal. Edmonton Journal. April 23, 2012. May 19, 2016.
  2. Web site: MLA Biography. Legislative Assembly of Alberta. May 19, 2016.
  3. Web site: Rachel Notley sworn in as Alberta premier, reveals cabinet. CBC News. May 24, 2015. May 19, 2016.
  4. Web site: Notley signals economic focus in Alberta cabinet shuffle. CTV News. October 22, 2015. May 19, 2016.
  5. Web site: Premier Rachel Notley creates new economic development ministry. CBC News. October 22, 2016. May 19, 2016.
  6. Web site: Results: Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview returns Deron Bilous to the Legislature Edmonton Journal.
  7. Web site: 2022-08-11 . 'It has been an honour': Edmonton MLA Deron Bilous stepping away from politics . 2023-05-17 . Edmonton . en.