Rick Szostak's Biography

Rick has had the good fortune to work as a professor of economics and interdisciplinary studies at the University of Alberta for a quarter-century. This has allowed him to write and teach about economic growth, business cycles, science and technology, ethics, and how to both perform interdisciplinary research and design optimal public policies. Yet Rick has the humility that is shared by all good professors: he knows that there is still a lot that we do not collectively know about how the world works, and recognizes that the best understanding comes from appreciating the widest range of insights on any issue. Once all sides have been carefully evaluated, governments should have the courage to do what is best for Canadians.

Rick has also been fortunate in taking on important administrative jobs inside and outside the University. He has thus negotiated contracts, hired and supervised staff, created new programs, lobbied both provincial and federal governments (appearing before committees of the House, Senate, and provincial legislature), been the treasurer of a community organization, and chaired countless meetings (with a reputation for listening to all sides fairly).

Rick is a dedicated father. A life of writing books, teaching good students, and playing with wonderful children has been very satisfying. Yet Rick wants to contribute to his community in a new way, and feels that he has the skills and values that would allow him to represent the citizens of Edmonton . Sherwood Park and work toward the development of public policies that are more efficient, fairer, and that provide all Canadians with the ability and incentives to live a constructive and satisfying life.

Details on Rick's publications and academic career can be found on his academic website through this link.

Reflections on door-knocking in 2008:

Rick knocked on over 10,000 doors during 2008 as the Liberal candidate in Edmonton . Sherwood Park. He was struck during this process by:

• The kindness and respect with which he was treated. With only a couple of exceptions, even life-long members of other parties greeted him with a smile, shook his hand, thanked him, and shared a thought or two. This reinforced Rick's view that the residents of Edmonton & Sherwood Park both want and deserve reasoned and respectful political discourse.
• The fact that many residents would agree with Rick regarding values and policies, and yet indicate that they had always voted for a different party. The simple fact is that the Conservative Party is no longer the party of Joe Clark: it has become rigidly ideological, sows division among Canadians, and reacts to alternative viewpoints with contempt. Its leader does not listen to his MPs. Sadly, that leader often says things that are simply not true. The Liberal Party has also changed. It is determined to be a national party with representation from every region. This creates an opportunity for Liberal MPs from Alberta to be particularly influential in shaping policy. It is dedicated to careful spending of taxpayer money. It believes that we should strive to provide all Canadians with both the opportunity and the incentives to care for themselves and their children, and contribute to the wider society.
• The disdain that too many residents feel toward politics in general. Rick wants to be part of a renaissance in Canadian politics. He is determined to display reason and open-mindedness in his behaviour as an MP. As the author of a book on ethics, he firmly believes that it is both possible and desirable to be a successful MP while holding to the highest ethical standards. Rick knows how to get things done without compromising his principles.