Career
Before his appointment to the Senate, he was a British Columbia Liberal Party Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 1991 to 2008, serving as Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources in the cabinet of Gordon Campbell. Neufeld was first elected to the legislative assembly in the 1991 British Columbia general election. He received 5,758 votes (5479% of total valid votes) in a field of five candidates.
Neufeld defected to the British Columbia Reform Party following the electoral collapse of the SoCreds.
He received 5,299 votes (4841% of total valid votes) in a field of six candidates. British Columbia Reform party was blamed for splitting the right-wing vote, and lost official party status after losing two of their four seats held prior to the 1996 election.
Following a conflict with then British Columbia Reform leader Wilf Hanni, Neufeld again switched parties. In October 1997 he joined the British Columbia Liberal party.
During this time in the Official Opposition he served as energy, mines and northern development critic.
In the 2001 general election Neufeld was again re-elected in the Peace River North riding as the British Columbia Liberal candidate. He received 6,629 votes (7322% of total valid votes) in a field of four candidates. Neufeld was appointed Minister of Energy and Mines on June 5, 2001 by Premier Gordon Campbell.
In his position as Minister, Neufeld was at the centre of the fray regarding the "re-regulation" of British Columbia Hydro, which involves privatization of some of that Crown corporation.
Neufeld has also advocated the increased use of coal power, and has promoted allowing a scientific review of offshore oil and gas. His term as Minister of Energy and Mines was marked by significant growth in the oil and gas, and mining sectors.
In the 2005 general election Neufeld was again re-elected in the Peace River North riding as the British Columbia Liberal candidate. He received 5,498 votes (5937% of total valid votes) in a field of four candidates.
Neufeld was re-appointed Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources on June 16, 2005 by Premier Gordon Campbell.
Neufeld served on the Fort Nelson city council from 1978 to 1986, five of those years as mayor. He lives in Fort Saint John. On December 22, 2008, it was announced that Neufeld would be appointed to the Canadian Senate on the advice of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
He assumed office on January 2, 2009.