Rick Dykstra was first elected to the House of Commons on January 23, 2006 as a member of the Conservative Party. In the 39th Parliament Rick quickly earned the reputation amongst his colleagues as a tireless worker and person focused on delivering results for his community. As a result, Rick was appointed as a government member to two senior parliamentary committees, the Standing Committees on Finance and Justice.

Thanks to his hard work, Rick was re-elected to the 40th Parliament on October 14, 2008 with a vastly increased margin of victory. On November 7th 2008 Rick had the honour of being appointed by the Prime Minister as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. His new role includes additional responsibilities including the overall coordination of the government members on the House Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.

Prior to being elected as the Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, Rick was partner in a successful public affairs business operating out of Niagara and Toronto. Previously, Rick spent five years working in a number of roles in the Ontario provincial government. Most notably, Rick was Director of Caucus relations for two Provincial Premiers and served as the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Community and Social Services. From 2003 up until the time of his election, Rick also served as a member of the Niagara Parks Commission.

Rick also had a distinguished political career at the municipal level. At the age of 25, Rick was elected as a representative for his community. From 1991-1997, Rick served two terms on St. Catharines city council representing St. Patrick’s Ward. During that time, Rick sat as chair of the Finance Committee that froze taxes for two consecutive years, a feat that has not been accomplished since.

Rick has a degree in Political Science from Brock University, and a Master's Certificate in Project Management from York University. He also served for twelve years as president of Dykstra Landscaping, a family owned and operated business.

Rick and his wife Kathy are lifelong residents of St. Catharines and are the proud parents of three children, Zachary, Jessica and Lauren.