Female politicians set sights on leadership in Alberta

Politics is not a field well known for it’s gender equality. But women’s positions in the industry are on on the rise.

Edmonton-centre MLA Laurie Blakeman recently put her name forward to run for leader of the Liberal party. She will be putting a strong effort into the race and trying to change many policies she disagrees with.

The race is also going on for the Tory leadership. Calgary MLA Allison Redford is running among former finance minister Ted Morton, former deputy premier Doug Horner and rural MLA Doug Griffiths to get Alberta’s top job.

Danielle Smith is the current leader of the Wildrose Alliance. Smith was elected in October of 2009.

Sue Huff is the interim leader of the Alberta Party. She defeated incumbant Don Williams taking over %60 of the votes. Huff was appointed November 23, 2010.

Grade 12 student Jordanna Bubar, at O’leary High School, said she is interested in a career in politics. Bubar believes that everyone’s opinions are equal but would like to see more women in the political process.

"There are less women politicians in the current day, it would be invigorating to let out my opinions and compare them to everyone else". Bubar also feels that more young women would be interested in politics if there were more strong female role models.

So far four women have led provincial parties in Alberta. In Canada, only one woman has ever become Premier after winning a general election. Catherine Callbeck won in Prince Edward Island in 1993 – the leader of the opposition following that election was also a woman.

With files from Fletcher Kent