by on Brian Mason is the Leader of the Alberta New Democratic Party. He has served as a provincial MLA since 2000.
Brian Mason is the Leader of the Alberta New Democratic Party. He has served as a provincial MLA since 2000.
Mason was first elected as an MLA for Edmonton Highlands (now Edmonton Highlands—Norwood) in a 2000 by-election; on March 12, 2001 he was re-elected in the provincial general election. Mason was subsequently appointed House Leader of the New Democrat Caucus and Critic responsible for Human Resources, Finance, and Agriculture. On July 13, 2004 Mason replaced Raj Pannu as the Interim Leader of the Alberta New Democratic Party. On September 18, 2004 he was selected as the new leader of the New Democratic Party at a leadership convention in Edmonton.
A particularly active MLA, Mason has served as a member of the Standing Committees on Law and Regulations, and Public Accounts, as well as the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services.
Before being elected to the Alberta Legislature, Mason served as the City of Edmonton’s Councillor for Ward 3. He was first elected in October 1989, and, during his 11 years on City Council Mason, earned a reputation as a strong and effective representative for his constituents. He remained in municipal politics until Alberta NDP leader Pam Barrett resigned in 2000.
Mason was born on October 12, 1953 in Edmonton, Alberta. He completed post-secondary studies at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. From 1977-79, he served as Executive Director of the Federation of Alberta Students (FAS). Afterwards, Mason worked as a bus driver for Edmonton Transit Services. He has lived in Edmonton Highlands—Norwood for 20 years with his wife Karin and their two sons. Mason is focused on issues such as affordable housing, fair royalties for Albertans, energy deregulation, high automobile insurance rates, education funding, and treatment of senior citizens.