Your Team

Laurie Blakeman, Edmonton-Centre

House Leader
Shadow Minister for Treasury Board, Finance and Enterprise, Culture and Community Spirit

Profile

Born in Edmonton
Lived in her constituency (Rossdale) since 1986
Holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Alberta and a Certificate in Public Administration from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Extension
Married to Ben Henderson, they have two dogs and two cats
Favorite pasttimes include swimming, running, snowmobiling, gardening and dining with friends

In the Legislature

Member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly since 1997 (Edmonton-Centre)
House Leader, Official Opposition
Member of the Public Accounts Committee
Held numerous critic portfolios, most recently Seniors, Community Development, Justice, Environment, Sustainable Resource Development, Solicitor General, and Gaming
Health Critic

Professional

Former Executive Director, Alberta Advisory Council on Women’s Issues
Former General Manager, Phoenix Theatre (Edmonton)
Former General Manager, Theatre Network (Edmonton)
Past Chief Trainer, Medical Council Canada, LMCC Part II
Past Executive Director, Alberta Snowmobile Association
since 1986

Awards and recognition

YWCA Woman of Distinction Award (1999)
Laurie Blakeman Endowment Fund was named in her honour by Celebration of Women in the Arts (1989); under Laurie’s guidance, this fund was later transferred to the Edmonton Arts Council and the Celebration of Women in the Arts Award was created

In the community

Past President, Celebration of Women in the Arts
Past President, Provincial Association of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs of Alberta
Former Chair, National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Past President, University of Alberta Drama Alumni Association
Member, ACTRA
City of Edmonton: Cultural Diversity Committee, Charitable Appeals Committee, Grant-in-Aid Arts Peer Jury (Edmonton Street Performers Festival, Edmonton Theatre Sterling Awards, Fringe Jury, First Night Festival)
Volunteers in her community and has worked numerous casinos and bingos in support of various organizations
Assisted with building two new playgrounds and organized special events and fundraisers

Local issues

Seniors issues, balanced economic growth, affordable housing, human rights, support for the arts, mental health and AISH are all important issues in Edmonton-Centre
I continue to be uplifted and challenged by the great diversity and spirit of the constituents of Edmonton-Centre. On their behalf, and on behalf of all Albertans, I will continue to make the government accountable. And I will continue to advocate for a sensible approach to the future, balancing long-term investment with provision of services today, to make Alberta not just a great province but an extraordinary province!