Red Deer College Donald School of Business Dean Darcy Mykytyshyn has announced he will be seeking the Tory nomination in Red Deer South.
Mykytyshyn, 43, has called Red Deer home since 2001.
“Loretta and I came to Alberta because of its fantastic amenities, its eye-popping scenery and most importantly its entrepreneurial spirit,” he said. “We’re go-getters – we work hard, and we found a home in Alberta surrounded by people that share our values and our work ethic and our principles. Like many before us, we came to Red Deer for an opportunity, but we’ve stayed in Red Deer because of its lifestyle.
“This community has incredible potential. Our location is second to none, and our business community is thriving. Our population is growing and our influence is expanding.”
Mykytyshyn has served on many not-for-profit organizations over the years, including chairing two United Way campaigns, three Kinsmen Dream Home campaigns, chairing the 2013 Memorial Cup bid and serving on the 2019 Canada Winter Games bid committee. He is also the past-president of the Rotary Club of Red Deer and sits on the boards for Servus Credit Union, the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada and the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce.
“Taking our community forward is not something that can be done by any one person,” he said. “It takes a team, it takes commitment and it takes focus. And these are qualities that have helped me in my journey to today, and they are qualities that I will rely on in the journey ahead,” he said.
Mykytyshyn said that in considering the next five years, there are a number of decisions ahead for the province.
“Not only as a community, but in partnership with the provincial government. Examples include redeployment and repurposing of provincial assets that have served our community with outstanding success,” he said. “Also, enhancing the infrastructure that supports our growing community, such as advancing the east ring road and north highway connector. And understanding how we can meet and support the health needs of a diverse and growing population through the Red Deer Regional Hospital and other health facilities.”
He said it’s also vital the province looks far enough into the future that, “We can accurately estimate and invest in the education needs of our community at the primary, secondary and post-secondary levels.
“Also, exploring strategic investments and activities that promote economic diversity and development, that may include looking at some of our institutions through a different lens.”
He also emphasized his commitment to fiscal responsibility.
“Be assured that I take financial stewardship seriously,” he said. “And I’m focused on ensuring that your investment in Alberta is receiving the value that it deserves. I’ve delivered on this in the private sector, and I’m committed to doing it in the public sector.”
Mykytyshyn said he would bring to the table strong problem solving and strategic thinking skills. “In every senior role I’ve held, I’ve been immersed in identifying, understanding and linking solutions to strategic objectives,” he said. “These experiences have taught me the importance of asking questions, exploring options and building solutions focused on moving forward,” he said. “The second thing is understanding the value and importance of relationships.
“And finally, the ability to manage change. As we’ve seen over the last six months in oil prices, change happens in the blink of an eye. We don’t need to be afraid of it. In fact, we can take steps to prepare for it.”
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