19 Facts About Jim Horsman

Jim Horsman served in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 1975 to 1993 and held numerous cabinet portfolios in the government of Alberta.

Jim Horsman grew up in Meeting Creek with his grandparents while his mother and father served overseas in Second World War.

Jim Horsman moved west in the 1950s to study at the University of British Columbia.

At UBC, Jim Horsman attained a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1959 and a year later attained a Bachelor of Laws.

Jim Horsman became involved in the Alberta Progressive Conservatives in the early 1960s.

Jim Horsman served on the party's executive council as vice president for Southern Alberta before running for political office.

Jim Horsman first ran for a seat to the 16th Alberta Legislature in the 1967 general election, in the electoral district of Medicine Hat.

Jim Horsman was defeated by Social Credit incumbent MLA Harry Leinweber.

Jim Horsman ran against Wyse again in the 1975 general election and was successful this time, defeating Wyse by 100 votes.

In 1979 Medicine Hat-Redcliff was abolished due to redistribution, and Jim Horsman ran for re-election in Medicine Hat that year.

Jim Horsman won by nearly 8,000 votes over his nearest opponent.

Jim Horsman won by another large majority in the 1982 general election.

Jim Horsman won again handily in the 1989 general election.

Jim Horsman retired from the Assembly at dissolution in 1993.

Jim Horsman would serve a number of roles in provincial cabinet including Minister of Advanced Education and Manpower, Minister of Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs, Attorney General and Provincial Secretary, Government House Leader and Deputy Premier.

Jim Horsman continued to serve on numerous other boards and public service roles, including as chair of the board of governors for Medicine Hat College and later as chancellor for the University of Lethbridge from 1999 to 2003.

Jim Horsman would be awarded with an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Lethbridge.

Jim Horsman was number of awards including Queen Elizabeth II Silver and Golden Jubilee Medals, the Governor General's 125th Anniversary Medal and the Alberta Centennial Medal.

Jim Horsman was appointed as a member of the Order of Canada on April 6,2006, his award cited his history in public service, volunteering and advocacy for a strong public education system.