The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Gordon Dirks

Education Minister Gordon Dirks is now a sitting MLA in Alberta’s legislature.

Dirks won a seat in a byelection on Oct. 27. His victory was part of a Tory sweep of four by­elections that also saw the election of Premier Jim Prentice, Health Minister Stephen Mandel and MLA Mike Ellis.

Dirks garnered 4,207 votes in the riding of Calgary-Elbow, which was left vacant due to the departure of former premier Alison Redford. The second- place finisher was Alberta Party leader Greg Clark with 3,412 votes, followed by Wildrose candidate John Fletcher with 3,056.

A former teacher and school board chair, Dirks was appointed to cabinet as an unelected citizen on Sept. 15 ­after Prentice took over as leader of the Progressive Conservatives.

The ATA News anticipates having an interview with Dirks to discuss his plans for the education portfolio now that he’s been elected. Look for coverage in our Nov. 18 issue. ❚