Speaker Honourable Leela Aheer
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Minister Aheer was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the constituency of Chestermere-Rocky View on May 5, 2015. She was re-elected on April 16, 2019, as the MLA for the newly formed riding of Chestermere-Strathmore.
Born in Edmonton and raised in Chestermere, where she is raising her family, Aheer is a proud wife and mother of two boys. Prior to entering politics, Aheer was a professional vocal coach and music teacher, who instructed singing in seven languages, owned and operated businesses as an entrepreneur, and was heavily involved in the arts, volunteerism and community service.
Leela Aheer was appointed as Alberta’s Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism & Status of Women on April 30, 2019. She is also Minister responsible for the Francophone Secretariat. Previously serving as the Opposition Critic for Children’s Services and Status of Women, Aheer brings her experience as a legislator to her new portfolio. A key priority of the new government is to provide more protections for women, through initiatives like Clare’s Law. Aheer will continue to work hard to build an Alberta that regardless of who you are, who you love, where you come from, or to whom you pray – is for generations to come, strong and free.
Speaking on: Festival Opening Remarks