Jon Lord (politician)
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Jon Lord (born: December 29, 1956) is a former politician and member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from Alberta, Canada.
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[edit] Early life
Jon was born in Calgary, Alberta on December 29, 1956. Jon grew up on a poor, rural homestead in Central Alberta. He graduated as the top student in his high school and was the leader of a rock'n'roll band (the Heavy Water Light Show). Jon later spent three years as an undergraduate student at the University of Alberta (First Class Standing) studying Business Administration and Commerce.
[edit] Buisness
Jon has been a small business owner since the age of 18. He worked two fulltime jobs during most of his early years - in all types of construction, manufacturing and all facets of the restaurant industry - and still puts in 60 to 80 hour weeks or even more. Jon certainly knows what it is like to come home dead-tired with a sore back! He started Casablanca Video in the Marda Loop 21 years ago, and built it to achieve one of the highest sales volumes per square foot of any video business in North America. In 1985, Jon became the Founding Chairman of one of the first BRZ's in the Province, later named the Marda Loop Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ), and also created and became Founding Chairman of the Marda Gras Day Festival - a popular annual event which recently celebrated its 20th year.
Jon has experience in the world of finance. Prior to entering politics, he worked as a trouble-shooter and financial consultant for several years. In his practice, Jon focused on helping clients (both private companies and charities) restructure their organizations, enabling them to avoid financial collapse. In addition to consulting, Jon was an instructor of the Canadian Securities Course, and an award-winning stockbroker with Wood Gundy and HSBC/James Capel.
[edit] Municipal career
Jon ran for Calgary City Council in 1995, and was elected as Alderman for Ward 8 for two consecutive terms. Jon was well know for his dedication to City Council, and worked exhaustive hours over many years in order to complete his projects. While on City Council Jon was a great advocate for electric energy conservation and numerous other initiatives. He introduced a program that will see the City's power bills cut by an estimated $100 million dollars over 10 years, and also introduced an initiative that resulted in the City of Calgary receiving the prestigious ISO 14001 corporate designation for environmental stewardship.
[edit] Provincial career
In the 2001 Alberta general election, Jon won the nomination to be the candidate for the Calgary Currie Progressive Conservative Riding Association and went on to win the seat to become a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Calgary Currie.
Since becoming a Member of the Legislature Jon: has successfully lobbied for energy conservation within the Provincial buildings; was the first elected official in Canada to propose Qui Tam Whistleblower Reward legislation; was the first elected official in Canada to propose that greater funding be allocated for Ibogaine research (a drug that could possibly help cure drug addictions); and created one of the world's most unique virtual town hall political discussion forums on his website www.jonlord.ca.
Jon served as a backbencher in the government caucus. In the 2004 Alberta general election Jon attempted to win a second term in office, but he was defeated by popular talk radio host Dave Taylor from the Liberals.
[edit] External links
Preceded by Barbara Ann Scott |
Calgary Alderman Ward 8 1995-2001 |
Succeeded by Madeleine King |
Preceded by Jocelyn Burgener |
MLA Calgary Currie 2001-2004 |
Succeeded by Dave Taylor |