Richard Neufeld was appointed Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources on June 16, 2005.

He has served as Minister of Energy and Mines since 2001.

Mr. Neufeld was energy, mines and northern development critic for the Official Opposition. He sat on the Select Standing Committees on Forests, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, and on Agriculture and Fisheries. He also sat on the Official Opposition Caucus Committee on Transportation.

He was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1991 to represent the riding of Peace River North and was re-elected in 1996, 2001 and 2005.

Before entering provincial politics, Mr. Neufeld owned and operated a business in Fort Nelson. He has been involved in the oil and gas industry most of his life.

He served on Fort Nelson council from 1978 to 1986, for five of those years as mayor. He has been involved with the Fort Nelson and Fort St. John Chambers of Commerce and Rotary Clubs.

Richard and his wife Montana live in Fort St. John and have four grown children.