title: George Groeneveld
text: # George Groeneveld
  
  George Groeneveld ECA (born October 31, 1940) is a Canadian politician and was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta representing the constituency of Highwood as a Progressive Conservative.
  
  ## Early life
  
  Groeneveld was born in Blackie, Alberta. He served as regional director of the Alberta Wheat Pool. In this role, he attended the Canadian International Grains Institute. Groeneveld was Agricore United's first vice-president.
  
  ## Political career
  
  Groeneveld first sought public office in the 2004 provincial election in the constituency of Highwood. In that election, he received 64% of the vote. In 2006, following the leadership race for the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta, newly elected Premier Ed Stelmach appointed Groeneveld as Minister of Agriculture and Food. In the 2008 provincial election that followed, Groeneveld secured his position as MLA for Highwood with 65% of the vote. In March 2008, he was reappointed as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
  
  ## Personal life
  
  Groeneveld is married to Judith. The couple has four children together, Sandra, Brett, Tyler, and Marla. He is an active member of his community and Gladys United Church.
  
  ## Election results
  
  vte2004 Alberta general election: Highwood :
  
  | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
  | - | - | - | - | - |
  | | Progressive Conservative | George Groeneveld | 6,737 | 63.6% | −16.3% |
  | | Liberal | Lori Czerwinski | 1,846 | 17.4% | 5.4% |
  | | Alberta Alliance | Brian Wickhorst | 731 | 6.9% |
  | | Green | Sheelagh Matthews | 547 | 5.2% | 1.7% |
  | | New Democratic | Catherine Costen | 433 | 4.1% | −0.6% |
  | | Separation | Cory Morgan | 300 | 2.8% |
  | Total | Total | Total | 10,594 |
  | Rejected, spoiled and declined | Rejected, spoiled and declined | Rejected, spoiled and declined | 81 |
  | Eligible electors / turnout | Eligible electors / turnout | Eligible electors / turnout | 23,519 | 45.4% |
  | | Progressive Conservative hold | Progressive Conservative hold | Swing | Swing | −10.9% |
  | Source: "Highwood Statement of Official Results 2004 Alberta general election" (PDF). Elections Alberta. Retrieved March 30, 2010. |||||||
  | 2008 Alberta general election results ( Highwood ) | 2008 Alberta general election results ( Highwood ) | 2008 Alberta general election results ( Highwood ) | Turnout 42.7% | Turnout 42.7% |
  | Affiliation | Affiliation | Candidate | Votes | % |
  | | Progressive Conservative | George Groeneveld | 7,716 | 65% |
  | | Liberal | Stan Shedd | 1,647 | 14% |
  | | Green | John Barrett | 690 | 6% |
  | | New Democratic | Carolyn Boulton | 392 | 3% |
  | | Wildrose Alliance | Daniel W. Doherty | 1,405 | 12% |
  