Rachel Notley

Early life

Rachel Notley was born in Edmonton, Alberta, and grew up in the village of Fairview, Alberta. Her parents were Grant Notley, leader of the NDP from 1968 until his death in 1984, and Sandra Mary Wilkinson. As the daughter of Grant Notley, a prominent social democrat in Alberta politics, Rachel grew up surrounded by politics and had a keen interest in social issues and current events from an early age.

Notley attended the University of Alberta where she studied political science and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1986. She later earned her law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in Toronto. While still studying at Osgoode Hall, she was made a delegate at the 1989 NDP national convention.

Career

After law school, Notley articled for Edmonton labour lawyer Bob Blakely before going on to work for the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, representing members in workers’ compensation cases.

In 1994, Notley moved to Vancouver, British Columbia where she began working for the Health Sciences Association as an occupational health and safety officer. She also spent a year as an assistant to the province’s Attorney General, Ujjal Dosanjh. As part of this team, she would help expand BC’s family relations laws to same-sex couples, several years before the Government of Canada took a similar stance.

In 2002, Notley returned to Edmonton, where she worked for the National Union of Public and General Employees. She also contributed to Athabasca University, the non-profit Romanow Now, and served as a labor relations officer for the United Nurses of Alberta. During this same time period, she volunteered with a community organization that advocated for the construction of sidewalks in Strathcona.

In 2006, Rachel Notley became the NDP candidate for the Edmonton-Strathcona riding, succeeding former provincial NDP leader Raj Pannu. Two years later, Notley was later elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. She was re-elected in 2012, securing the highest percentage of the popular vote for an MLA in that election. Notley would remain in that seat until her resignation in late 2024, including during her tenure as premier.

In the 2015 Alberta general election, Rachel Notley led the NDP to a historic victory, winning 54 of the 87 seats in the legislature and ending the Progressive Conservative party’s 44-year-long hold on power. She was sworn in as the Premier of Alberta on May 24, 2015, as the first NDP politician and second woman ever elected to that position. She held the office until 2019, when her party lost to the United Conservative Party led by Jason Kenney.

During her time in office as premier, Rachel Notley implemented several progressive policies, including raising the minimum wage, introducing a climate change plan, and mandating a royalty review for the oil and gas industry. She also oversaw the passing of the Alberta Human Rights Amendment Act, which included gender identity and expression as protected grounds.

Rachel Notley has been married to her husband, Lou Arab for more than 25 years. They have two children, Ethan Arab and Sophie Arab. In her free time, she is an active cyclist, jogger, and skier.

Net Worth

Rachel Notley’s net worth is not currently available as public information.