Will Alberta’s New Premier Seek Broad Political Cooperation ? (Part 1)

Alberta's political leaders have long cast themselves as the tough-talking lone wolf, eager to take on foes in Ottawa and around the world. Is it an unabashed and partisan political entitlement or will Alison Redford attempt to change that culture? Days after Ms. Redford became Premier of Alberta by winning the leadership race of Alberta's venerable Progressive Conservative Party, her vision appeared to emerge as a constructive compromise to a strong arm. While early indications suggest Ms. Redford seems to view Ottawa and its regulators as friends, not foes, the speaker will speculate on how much input from opposition parties Ms. Redford is willing to accept, how often can she reasonable be expected to change her mind and will the shouts of “flip-flop” be too much to bear? Speaker: Bridget Pastoor MLA Bridget Pastoor was elected to her second term as the MLA of Alberta for Lethbridge-East on March 3, 2008. In addition to her duties as an MLA, Ms. Pastoor currently serves as the Official Opposition Whip. She is also shadow minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Municipal Affairs and Seniors and Community Supports. As well, she is currently serving as a member of three Standing Committees. Prior to entering provincial politics, Bridget served as an alderwoman on Lethbridge City Council from 1998 to 2004. Ms Pastoor began her career with Air Canada. After raising three children, she returned to school and graduated from Lethbridge College as a registered nurse, later qualifying as a geriatric specialist from Grant MacEwan. Bridget worked as an RN at the Edith Cavell care centre from 1990 to 2004.