Career
From April 6 until December 15, 2006, he also served as Minister of Community Development. He did not seek re-election in the 2008 election. He was re-elected to his second term on March 12, 2001, and to his third term on November 22, 2004.
In addition to his duties as Modern Language Association, Ducharme has served as Government Caucus Whip, Chair of the Francophone Secretariat, co-chair of the Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI), Deputy Chairman of the Special Standing committee on Members’ Services, and Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices.
During his time in the Alberta Legislature, Ducharme sponsored four bills: Fair Trading Acting. Maintenance Enforcement Amendment Acting.
Metis Settlements Statutes Amendment Acting. And Fair Trading Amendment Acting, 2000.
Prior to being elected, he was involved with his family-owned Ford automotive dealership, Ducharme Motors Limited., which has been operating in Bonnyville since 1959.
He was involved in all aspects of dealership management and held a business interest in the operation from 1981 to 1994. In 1986, Ducharme was elected to the Lakeland Catholic School Board. During his two terms with the board he served as a trustee, vice-chairman, and chairman.
Ducharme is also one of the notable Franco-Albertans, in part due to the Bonnyville-Cold Lake area having a very large Francophone population in comparison to the rest of the province.
