Alberta's NDP MLAs: 5 facts about the rookies

Given the low-key NDP campaigns in some ridings, Alberta NDP supporters might not have known much about their local candidateswhile voting in support ofthe party leader Rachel Notley.

The NDP ran a candidate in every riding and some tookon the role withoutexpecting to win.

Here are some facts about the rookie NDP politicianswho will help run the new Alberta government.

1. A record number arewomen

Of the 53 NDP candidates declaredelected to the Alberta Legislature, 25 are women or roughly47 percent.

That prompted Notley to say in her victory speech: "I haven't run the numbers yet, shall we say, but what I think is true is that we have elected the most women in any government caucus in the history of Canada."

That appears to hold true when it comes to the percentage of women elected to a governing caucus, according to Equal Voice, a non-partisan organization dedicated to electing more women to political office.

"Remarkably, the three provinces with women now at the helm have the highest percentages of women in their legislatures. A powerful comment in and of itself," said executive director Nancy Peckford.

2. They aren't CEOs

Some of the newly elected candidatesare union organizerswho got involved through careers such as flight attendant (Ricardo Miranda inCalgary-Cross), registered nurse (Danielle Larivee inLesser Slave Lake), and Safeway employee (Barb Miller inRed Deer South).

• Where does the NDP stand on key issues?
• NDP newbie's social media antics set Twitter abuzz

Otherscome from a variety of backgrounds, including small business owner, lawyer, social worker, teacher, executive director, psychologist, hydrogeologist, and yoga instructor.

Lori Williams, an associate professor at Mount Royal University, said she sees enough depth among the incoming NDP caucus to form a small cabinet.

"The focus is going to be on the talented people that are there, andthere are a great many talented people in that group. And not to focus so much on the inexperienced ones, because they aren't going to be incabinet, they are not going to be running the government.

The one that will be running government is Rachel Notley, and she has said quite clearly that she will be doing that in consultation with industry leaders and Albertans."

3. They are well educated

Most have undergraduate degrees and many have master's degrees.

Colin Piquette, elected inAthabasca-Sturgeon-Redwater,is a former professor of ethics and law.

Afew are still studying. Deborah DreverinCalgary-Bowis takingsociology at Mount Royal University, while Thomas DanginEdmonton-South Westis getting a computer science degree at the University of Alberta.

Trevor Horne, elected inSpruce Grove-St. Albert,is studying political science at MacEwan University.

4. They are relatively young

The winning NDP candidates appear to be younger than the former PC caucus. That's not surprising if you consider that the Tories held power for 44 years, and PC members of the legislature usually managed to hold onto their seats through several elections.

The new NDP caucus includes students, parents of young children and 20-somethings.Dang is20,Jon Carson inEdmonton-Meadowlark is 23, and Michael ConnollyinCalgary-Hawkwood is 21.

"Albertans elected a diverse group of MLAs to represent our province, including younger and older people.Being part of the younger group, we can offer a unique perspective on issues," said Dang.

5. They aren't seasoned politicians

Only four NDP MLAs were incumbents who have spent time in the Alberta Legislature. While a few of the rookieshave sat on school boards, likeSarah Hoffman inEdmonton-Glenora,or municipal council Joe Ceci inCalgary-Fort, most have no political experience and will need some help finding their way around their new jobs.

Graham Sucha, elected inCalgary-Shaw, has spent seven years in restaurant management and was on parental leave taking care of a new baby during the campaign. His political inexperience doesn't faze him.

"Any career you go into you have a learning curve," he said. "We have Joe Ceci and Stephanie McLean who know the ropes really well who have already said they are willing to mentor us and help us through this process. And even some of the experienced NDP members who are returning to the legislature are going to help us as well."