Rachel Notley

Rachel Notley
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Name	Rachel Notley
Birth date	April 17, 1964
Birth place	Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Party	New Democratic Party of Alberta

Rachel Notley is a Canadian politician who served as the 17th Premier of Alberta from 2015 to 2019. She was the leader of the New Democratic Party of Alberta and the first New Democratic Party premier of Alberta in the province's history, succeeding Jim Prentice and preceding Jason Kenney. Notley's tenure as premier was marked by significant policy changes, including the implementation of a carbon tax and the introduction of Bill 6, which aimed to enhance workers' rights in Alberta. Her government also invested heavily in public healthcare, with a focus on Alberta Health Services and the University of Alberta.

● Early Life and Education

Notley was born in Edmonton, Alberta, to Grant Notley and Sandra Notley. Her father, Grant Notley, was a New Democratic Party of Alberta Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta who represented the constituency of Spirit River-Fairview. Notley's early life was influenced by her family's involvement in Alberta politics, with her father serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and her mother working as a social worker with the Government of Alberta. She attended Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in Toronto, Ontario, where she earned a Bachelor of Laws degree, and later worked as a labour lawyer with the United Nurses of Alberta and the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees.

● Career

Before entering politics, Notley worked as a labour lawyer and was involved in various labour unions, including the Canadian Labour Congress and the Alberta Federation of Labour. She also worked with the Parkland Institute, a research institute based at the University of Alberta, and was a member of the Edmonton city council's community services committee. Notley's experience in labour law and her involvement in social justice issues informed her approach to politics, which emphasized the importance of workers' rights, public healthcare, and environmental protection. Her work with the United Nurses of Alberta and the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees also gave her a deep understanding of the public sector and the role of government services in supporting communities.

● Premier of Alberta

Notley became the leader of the New Democratic Party of Alberta in 2014, succeeding Brian Mason. She led the party to a historic victory in the 2015 Alberta general election, winning 54 seats in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and forming a majority government. As premier, Notley implemented a range of policies aimed at addressing climate change, including the introduction of a carbon tax and the development of a climate change strategy in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Pembina Institute. Her government also invested in renewable energy projects, such as wind power and solar power, and worked to promote energy efficiency in buildings and industry.

● Political Positions

Notley has been a strong advocate for social justice and human rights, and has worked to promote equality and inclusion in Alberta. She has also been a vocal supporter of Indigenous rights and has worked to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta. Notley's government introduced Bill 7, which aimed to promote LGBTQ2+ rights and prevent conversion therapy in Alberta. Her commitment to social justice and human rights has been recognized by organizations such as the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Alberta Civil Liberties Association.

● Post-Premiership Career

After losing the 2019 Alberta general election to Jason Kenney and the United Conservative Party of Alberta, Notley continued to serve as the leader of the New Democratic Party of Alberta and as the Leader of the Opposition in Alberta. She has remained a prominent figure in Alberta politics, advocating for progressive policies and social justice initiatives. Notley has also been involved in various community organizations, including the Edmonton Community Foundation and the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation, and has worked to promote international cooperation and global citizenship. Her ongoing commitment to public service and social justice has been recognized by organizations such as the University of Alberta and the MacEwan University.