MLA Laurie Blakeman, Edmonton-Centre

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for MLA Laurie Blakeman as she represents the constituents of Edmonton-Centre. We pray that you would guide her in the decisions she makes and in the daily responsibilities she carries out. Lord, we ask that you would provide the strength to effectively do her part in the many committees she serves on in the Legislature. Thank you for her interest and involvement in the arts and may she find the time to continue to enjoy them. Amen

Laurie Blakeman was first elected as Edmonton-Centre MLA in 1997 and is now in her fifth term. She currently serves as Alberta Liberal House Leader in the Alberta Legislature.

She currently serves on the following committees:

• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices
• Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship
• Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee
• Select Special Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee

In addition, Ms. Blakeman served as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Energy and was a member of the following committees:

• Standing Committee on Community Development
• Select Special Information and Privacy Commissioner Search

Ms. Blakeman has served as critic for eight other portfolios, including Health and Wellness.

Ms. Blakeman has a bachelor of fine arts degree in acting and a certificate in public administration, both from the University of Alberta. Before serving in the provincial Legislature, she enjoyed a successful career in the theatre both as a performer and an administrator with Phoenix Theatre, Theatre Network, and Celebration of Women in the Arts.

Ms. Blakeman is a former executive director of the Alberta Advisory Council on Women’s Issues and past president of Celebration of Women in the Arts as well as the founding member of the Edmonton National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. In 1999 she received a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award.

A long-time resident of Edmonton’s Rossdale neighbourhood, Ms. Blakeman is married to Ben Henderson, Edmonton city councillor for ward 8. They share their home with two large dogs and two cats.

May 2, 2013