Key Influencer - Demetrios Nicolaides - Minister of Advanced Education

Minister Nicolaides was elected to represent the electoral district of Calgary-Bow on April 16, 2019. He was appointed as Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education on April 30, 2019. Born and raised in Calgary by immigrant parents, Nicolaides is a long-time resident of Calgary-Bow. He currently resides in West Springs with his wife and two daughters and volunteers extensively in his community.

Many of Nicolaides’ adult years were spent in academia. After studying at the University of Calgary, he obtained his Master’s degree at the European Peace University in Austria. He then traveled to Cypress, where his parents emigrated from. There, he obtained a PhD in Political Science and completed some time as a lecturer and on research projects related to peace and conflict.

Nicolaides’ entry into political work is marked by his role as campaign manager for MLA Richard Gotfried in the 2015 Alberta General Election. He was inspired to enter politics after witnessing his parents achieve the “Alberta dream” through hard work and perseverance. He is motivated to ensure Alberta remains a place of promise and opportunity.

Prior to his appointment as Minister, Nicolaides led the Calgary office of a national communications-consulting firm. He has instructed at both the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatoon and Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba. He is also an accredited mediator with experience in high stakes regulatory hearings and arbitrations across Canada. Nicolaides brings his expertise in communications and conflict-resolution to his role in the ministry.