Passion for Politics: Taneen Rudyk's Path to Public Service

For more than 10 years now, Taneen Rudyk’s made a career advocating for her community, serving as a councillor for the Town of Vegreville. Over that time, she’s championed diverse community causes, working with citizens, community partners and all levels of government with one goal in mind: To make Vegreville the best possible version of itself. A mission that dates back much further than just the last decade. “My parents were always socially minded, super active in the community and made sure I was too,” says Rudyk. “That sense of community and importance of lifting others up was further instilled in me as a young student growing up in Vegreville.”

As a student—at A.L. Horton and Vegreville Composite High—she took every opportunity possible to volunteer within the school. In fact, much of her spare time was consumed working on student council and learning about the democratic process. “My quality of education was incredible, and I feel fortunate to have had so many great teachers,” she says. “They taught me there is a place for everyone in our community; the importance of listening, empathy and constructing a message—critical skills to my career today. Through that, I learned early on the political process is truly about serving others.”

After graduating from Vegreville Composite High in 1991, Rudyk left town and earned a degree in political science. However, her love for Vegreville never wavered. She returned home, where she raised a family, juggled a career and served on a handful of community Boards in her spare time. In 2010, Rudyk won her first council seat, renewing her excitement and pride in her community. “There is this belief you need to leave a small town to achieve anything in life,” she says. “Not so. What my family and teachers taught me was not to be constrained by where I came from. It’s so true. You can go far away and find nothing or stay in place and find everything. The latter is my experience.”