Updated: 10/07/11
About Ed Stelmach:
A soft-spoken farmer, Ed Stelmach held four posts in the Ralph Klein government and had the support of the rural vote to win the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta and become Premier of Alberta. Ed Stelmach's low-key platform included fiscal stability, tackling the problems resulting from rapid growth in Alberta, and moving Alberta beyond its reliance on oil and gas. In the 2008 provincial election Ed Stelmach led the Progressive Conservatives to an historic 11th consecutive majority gaining 11 seats to win 72 of 83 seats in the legislature.
As Premier he saw Alberta through boom times, then a global economic recession and back on its way to recovery. His announcement in January 2011 that he would not run in the next election caught everyone off guard. Stelmach agreed to stay on as Premier until his replacement was selected by the party. Alison Redford won the Alberta Progressive Conservative leadership race and was sworn in as Premier of Alberta in October 2011.
Premier of Alberta:
2006 to 2011
Birth:
May 11, 1951 in Lamont, Alberta
Profession:
Farmer
Political Affiliation:
Progressive Conservative
Riding (Electoral District):
Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville (was Vegreville-Viking)
Political Career of Ed Stelmach:
- In 1986, Ed Stelmach was elected to the Lamont Councy Council. A year later he became Reeve, a position he held for five years.
- Ed Stelmach was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta in 1993.
- In 1997 Ed Stelmach was appointed Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.
- In 1999, Ed Stelmach became Minister of Infrastructure.
- He was appointed Minister of Transportation in 2001.
- From 2004 to 2006, Ed Stelmach served as Minister of International and Intergovernmental Affairs.
- In March 2006 Ed Stelmach resigned from cabinet to join the Alberta Progressive Conservative leadership race to replace Alberta Premier Ralph Klein.
- In December 2006 El Stelmach was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative party of Alberta and became Premier Designate of Alberta.
- Ed Stelmach was sworn in as the 13th Premier of Alberta on December 14, 2006.
- In the 2008 Alberta provincial election Ed Stelmach led the Progressive Conservatives to an historic 11th consecutive majority government, increasing the party's seats by 11.
- In January 2011, Ed Stelmach made a surprise announcement that he would not be running in the next election.
- Alison Redford replaced Ed Stelmach as leader of the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party and Premier of Alberta in October 2011.
