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Your Team
Dr. David Swann, Calgary-Mountain View
Leader of the Official Opposition
Critic for Executive Council, Energy
Profile
Born June 19, 1949 in Taber, Alberta
Alberta resident for 45 years
Married 26 years to Laureen, a physician
Three adult children, Kirsten, Tandela and Nathan
Professional
Associate Professor of Community Medicine at University of Calgary
Gold Star teaching award 1999; 2003 U of C Medical School
Medical Officer of Health for 15 years in Alberta
Consulting in the Philippines and Europe in primary health care
President of the Society of Alberta Medical Officers of Health
Serves on national board of Physicians for Global Survival
Travelled to Iraq on humanitarian missions three times since 2000
In the community
Initiated the Healthy City movement in Calgary in 1986 and chaired it for 10 years
Coaches children’s soccer and basketball
Editor of Christian Medical magazine
Local issues
The government is not listening to the people - there is a lack of political accountability and trust
I will fight for protection of public funding for health care, fair treatment of teachers, smaller classrooms and protection of the environment
Contact me!
I want to hear your ideas for Calgary Mountain View and Alberta. I value your thoughts, and ask for your support:
Your Team
Darshan Kang, Calgary-McCall
Critic for Infrastructure, Transportation, Service Alberta, Housing and Urban Affairs
Darshan’s commitment to focused hard work has made him an achiever throughout his life, and he brings this sense of purpose to the Legislature as the MLA for Calgary-McCall.
Darshan grew up in India, where he attended primary and secondary school in the Moga district of Punjab province. Darshan completed a pre-medical degree at the University of Indore before coming to Canada in 1970.
Darshan currently works as a realtor. He was recently named the top realtor in his company and the fifth highest performer of all realtors in the entire province of Alberta. Before becoming a realtor Darshan was a journeyman welder.
Darshan’s activities in the community are numerous. He is or has been a member of the Saddleridge, Castleridge/Falconridge, and Martindale-Tardale Community Associations… as well as being an active member of the North East Centre of Communities Society. He played a key role in raising over one million dollars for the Alberta Children’s Hospital and volunteers as a door-to-door canvasser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
As well, he was singled out for special recognition by ROSH, a group which he helped successfully oppose a slaughterhouse to be built in his community. He is also active in his religious (Sikh) community’s temple.
The biggest issues in the constituency for Darshan are the lack of affordable housing and schools in the community, as well as environmental issues and maintaining public health care.
He has been married to his wife Sharanjit for thirty-two years and has three adult children and two grandchildren.
In his spare time he enjoys reading and walking with his family and friends and is always willing to volunteer for good causes in and around his community.
Your Team
Kent Hehr, Calgary-Buffalo
Critic for Justice and Attorney General, Solicitor General and Public Security, Sustainable Resource Development
Born and educated in Calgary, Kent Hehr is a dedicated member of the Calgary community. Named Graduate of the Decade by the University of Calgary Alumni Association, Kent now practices law with the prestigious national law firm Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP.
Kent started his post secondary education at Mount Royal College before moving to the University of Calgary to complete degrees in Canadian Studies and Law.
Kent derives a great deal of pleasure from his numerous community activities and the leadership roles he takes in them. He is currently the Chairman of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta), Chairman of the City of Calgary Advisory Committee on Accessibility, Director of the Downtown West Community Association, board member for the Calgary Canucks Junior ‘A’ Alumni Society and is a member of the leaders committee of the United Way of Calgary.
Kent was honoured to be named to the magazine Calgary Inc.’s Top 40 Under 40 as well as being named one of the top 40 graduates in the last 40 years by the University of Calgary Alumni Association.
Kent Hehr is most concerned with the dilapidated state of the public school system. He notes that numerous schools in Calgary are in urgent need of substantial repair. He also sees the definite need for affordable housing, environmental protection and the maintenance of quality health care.
In his spare time Kent enjoys attending sporting events and spending time with his family and friends.
Your Team
The Alberta Liberal Caucus reflects Alberta: diverse, energetic and looking to the future.
Your Team
Bridget Pastoor, Lethbridge-East
Critic for Agriculture and Rural Development, Seniors and Community Supports, International and Intergovernmental Relations, Municipal Affairs
Profile
Born April 13, 1940 in St. Boniface, Manitoba
Alberta resident for 37 years
Three adult children
Registered nurse at Edith Cavell Care Centre
Alderman on Lethbridge City Council
In the community
Board member, Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Chair, Council/Corporate Review of City of Lethbridge
Serves on Library Board, Exhibition Board, Municipal Planning Commission
Received Government of Canada, Commemorative Gold Medal, 1993
Local issues
Lethbridge East has been well served by Alberta Liberals
Seniors health and housing
Funding for low-income support programs
Utility bills
Contact me!
I want to hear your ideas for Lethbridge-East and Alberta. I value your thoughts, and ask for your support:
Your Team
Hugh MacDonald, Edmonton-Goldbar
Critic for Finance and Enterprise, Treasury Board, Employment and Immigration
Profile
Born on August 5, 1955 in Souris, Prince Edward Island
Before his election to the Legislature, worked in Alberta’s petroleum industry for 20 years as a boilermaker and small business owner
Lives in the Strathearn area of Edmonton-Goldar with Jan and their three children
In the Legislature
Member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly since 1997 (Edmonton-Goldbar)
Served on several Standing Committees, including Law and Regulations and Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
Chaired the Standing Committee on Public Accounts
Held numerous critic portfolios, most recently Energy, Government Services and Human Resources & Employment
In the community
Served as secretary of the Strathearn Community League
Assistant coach to a minor hockey team
Contact me!
I want to hear your ideas for Edmonton-Goldbar and Alberta. I value your thoughts, and ask for your support:
Your Team
Harry Chase, Calgary-Varsity
Whip, Critic for Education, Advanced Education and Technology, Children and Youth Services, Tourism, Parks and Recreation
Profile
Born November 22, 1947 in Saskatoon
Alberta resident for 42 years; resident of Calgary Varsity for 26 years
Married 35 years to Heather; they have one adult child
A teacher for 33 years in elementary schools through high school
In the community
Former Alberta and Calgary chair of the Friends of Medicare
Strong advocate for public schools
Coach of numerous indoor and outdoor community soccer teams
Head of several community summer recreational programs, especially sports camps
Canvasser for several charitable organizations
Local issues
Government accountability and transparency
Public and post-secondary education
Health care
Seniors
Contact me!
I want to hear your ideas for Calgary Varsity and Alberta. I value your thoughts, and ask for your support:
Your Team
Laurie Blakeman, Edmonton-Centre
Deputy Leader, House Leader, Critic for Environment, Culture and Community Spirit
Profile
Born in Edmonton
Lived in her constituency (Rossdale) since 1981
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)
Deputy Leader, Official Opposition
House Leader, Official Opposition
Member of Legislative Offices Committee, Heritage Trust Savings Fund Committee, and Sustainable Resources Policy Committee
Member of the Public Accounts Committee
Environment and Culture and Community Spirit 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!
Your Team
Kevin Taft, Edmonton-Riverview
Critic for Health and Wellness, Aboriginal Affairs
About Kevin
Kevin Taft never thought he’d be a politician. A public policy analyst and head of his own Edmonton-based consulting company, Kevin’s life took a sharp turn when he returned to Alberta in 1994 after a year away studying for a business degree.
“Alberta had changed,” he recalls. “The government was gutting our health care system without a plan, throwing people’s lives into chaos.” Kevin watched in growing dismay as the government took aim at education and other public services Albertans had carefully built over many years.
In 1997, Kevin wrote Shredding the Public Interest, a national bestseller which confirmed many Albertans’ concerns about the PCs. A second bestseller in 2000, co-authored by Gillian Steward, exploded the myths of private, for-profit health care.
Kevin stepped into public life in 2001, handily winning his Edmonton Riverview seat in the provincial election. He was elected Leader of the Alberta Liberals and Official Opposition three years later.
Today, Kevin is as determined as ever to move Alberta forward, into an era of sustainable growth where people are at the heart of government.
Kevin lives with his wife Jeanette Boman and their two teenage boys in his constituency, in the neighbourhood where he grew up. A former soccer coach, Kevin plays Oldtimers’ hockey and is a familiar figure at the local outdoor rink.
