Stephanie McLean was the first woman in Alberta to give birth while sitting as an MLA — in 2016. That alone is a tremendous comment on women in politics in Alberta.

In this wide-ranging interview, McLean talks about why she decided to accept a position as a cabinet minister, shortly after giving birth to her son, Patrick. And how she handled the inevitable critiques, not only of her ability to do the job, but also that she was setting unrealistic standards for working women who simply can’t “have it all,” as they balance work and home life.

McLean talks about how her work as Minister of the Status of Women was shaped by the #metoo movement, and the issues she tried to tackle to make the lives of women better in the province.

This is Part I of a two-part interview with McLean.

Also, listen in as we discuss a piece on the “glass cliff” for female politicians by U of C professor Melanee Thomas. Are women most likely to be elected to positions of leadership when their party is in crisis?

Finally, we want to point to you to an upcoming Rotary conference taking place in Edmonton this October, check it out at: conference5370-2018.ca