Janis Tarchuk

Janis Tarchuk is a Canadian politician. She was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Banff-Cochrane as a Progressive Conservative.

Early life
Tarchuk has a long history of community involvement. Prior to provincial politics, she chaired and sat on several local health and education boards, and served as an executive member of the Alberta School Boards Association. In addition, she was the director of Jubilee Insurance and a board member of the Alberta Educational Technology and Research Foundation.

Born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Ms Tarchuk received her bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of Guelph.

Political career
Tarchuk was first elected on March 11, 1997, and served four terms as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Banff-Cochrane.

During this time, she chaired several key committees related to economic development, finance, taxation, sustainable development, and health. She also served as Minister of Children and Youth Services and Minister of Children's Services.

Currently Tarchuk is Chair of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund.

She is also on the board of Alberta Research and Innovation Authority, an Alberta Innovates advisory body that provides strategic advice and recommendations to the Government of Alberta on research opportunities, emerging technologies, and policy direction to enhance innovation.

In addition, she is a member of the Cabinet Policy Committee on Education, the Standing Committee on Education, and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders, and Printing.

Personal life
As a resident of the Bow Valley for over 30 years, her personal interests include skiing, hiking, reading and the many local cultural opportunities. Tarchuk and her husband Byron live in Banff and have two grown children.