Mr. Doerksen was elected to his first term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Strathmore-Brooks on March 3, 2008. In addition to his regular duties as MLA Mr. Doerksen currently serves as deputy caucus whip, Chair of the Standing Committee on Community Services and as a member of the Private Bills Committee and the Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing Committee.

Prior to his service as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta Mr. Doerksen was the owner/manager a farming/ranching business for over 20 years, which included purebred and commercial cattle production, feedlot management and irrigated crop production.

Mr. Doerksen chaired the Alberta Beef Producers’ organization through the BSE crisis from 2003 to 2004 and has travelled internationally as a representative of the Alberta and Canadian livestock industry.

Mr. Doerksen has been very active within his local community and farming community at large. He has been a member of the following organizations:

• Alberta Beef Producers, chair from 2002 to 2004
• Canada Beef Export Federation, chair from 2005 to 2008
• Gem Grazing Association, chair
• Eastern Irrigation District Grazing Advisory Committee, chair
• Gem Curling Club
• Local church board
• Gem Home and School Association
• Camp Evergreen
• Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
• Canadian Beef Breeds Council, vice chair
• Canada/Alberta Livestock Research Trust, board member
• Livestock Identification Services, board member

Mr. Doerksen was named one of the 50 most influential Albertans in Alberta Venture in 2004 and received a 10-year leadership award from the Canadian 4-H Council.

Mr. Doerksen and his wife, Wanda, live in Gem, Alberta. They have three sons: Barry, Daniel and Lorin.