Key Influencer - Leela Aheer - UCP Leadership Candidate

Leela Aheer announced her candidacy in the upcoming UCP leadership election on June 8th. She is the fourth former Wildrose MLA to enter the leadership and is pitching herself as running a grassroots campaign and claims she will “lead with humanity” to gain public trust. 

Representing the riding of Chestermere-Strathmore, Aheer was first elected in 2015 after defeating incumbent Wildrose-turned-Progressice Conservative MLA Bruce McAllister by a slim margin. She supported the merger between Wildrose and the PCs, and in 2017 was appointed UCP deputy leader. In 2019, Aheer was appointed Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism, and Status of Women.  After two years, she was shuffled out of cabinet following public criticism of Premier Jason Kenney.  

Aheer was born in Edmonton and raised in Chestermere where she currently resides with her husband and two boys. After graduating from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, she worked for over two decades as a vocal coach and singing teacher. Prior to her entry into politics, Aheer also operated successful, family-owned businesses.  Over the years, she has been heavily involved in community service and volunteerism.