[1] The son of Nicholas Derkach and Minnie Kalyniak, he was born in Rossburn, Manitoba,[3] and was educated at Brandon University.
[3] In 1986, Derkach was elected to the provincial legislature as a Progressive Conservative in Roblin-Russell, a rural riding in the province's southwest.
The Progressive Conservatives won the provincial election of 1988, and Derkach was re-elected in Roblin-Russell[1] by an increased margin (with the Liberals overtaking the NDP for second place).
Derkach was re-elected in the renamed riding of Russell[1] by a reduced margin, defeating New Democrat Vince Lelond by 595 votes.
Derkach served as opposition critic on matters relating to education and Manitoba's growing casino economy, and was re-elected by an increased margin in the general election of 2003,[1] despite the poor province-wide showing of the Progressive Conservative Party.