Shortly after graduating from Law school and being called to the Bar in 1986, Darren Praznik served as special assistant to the National Minister of Health and Welfare. In 1988, he was elected to the Manitoba Legislature where he served for 14 years including nine as a cabinet minister. His portfolios over this period included Labour, Northern Affairs, Energy and Mines, Health, Highways and Transportation, and Government House Leader. As health minister, he oversaw the regionalization of his province’s health care delivery system.

In 2002, Praznik joined the management team of Canadian Blood Services as executive director of Government Relations where he played an important role in the re-building of the Canadian blood system. Since 2007, Praznik has served as president & CEO of Cosmetics Alliance Canada, the trade association for the cosmetics and personal care products industry in Canada which includes some 175 member companies that manufacture, distribute, sell cosmetics and other personal care products or who provide goods and services to the industry. In this capacity, he also serves on the Board of Directors of the Look Good Feel Better Foundation (LGFB) and the International Collaboration for Cosmetic Safety (ICCS).

Throughout his professional career, Praznik has been actively engaged in the negotiating process between parties with long-term relationships and has many thoughtful insights into the art of conducting successful negotiations. In addition to his degree in law, Praznik also has a bachelor’s degree in history and economics and resides in the Port Credit community of Mississauga.