Candice is the former Leader of the Official Opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada.

Over her 15-year tenure as a Member of Parliament, she held senior leadership roles and served in Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s cabinet.

Though retired from elected office, she continues to contribute to federal and provincial political and policy conversations.

Candice now works as a strategic advisor in the private sector, specializing in natural resources, defense, and technology. 

Erika Barootes knows the Alberta government inside and out—from the premier’s office to the heart of policy-making and most things in between. As the first president of the United Conservative Party, she played a pivotal role in shaping the party’s strategy and preparing for its victories in the 2019 and 2023 provincial elections, notably serving as Principal Secretary to Premier Danielle Smith in the critical lead-up to the general election.

Today, Erika is Director of External Relations and Department Head for the Applied Politics and Public Affairs Program at MaKami College, where she led the institution’s transition to a publicly funded Independent Academic Institution (IAI) and launched a first-of-its-kind diploma in applied politics. This innovative program equips students with practical skills for careers in government, advocacy, and public service through hands-on learning and community engagement.

Beyond education, Erika is committed to supporting local business, culture, and heritage, with experience managing a major utility’s brand and serving Alberta’s public affairs sector.

Erika is also a prominent media commentator, the co-host of The Discourse Podcast and regularly appearing on national TV and in newspapers to discuss provincial, national, and international issues.

Marg McCuaig-Boyd is a Senior Advisor at Counsel Public Affairs, based in Edmonton.

Marg McCuaig-Boyd is Alberta’s former Minister of Energy and a longtime educator and administrator. Built on a diverse career, Marg’s expertise ranges from public and advanced education, government, and Indigenous relations, to communications, energy, and agriculture. 

As a Member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly, and Minister of Energy, Marg represented the northern, rural constituency of Dunvegan-Central Peace-Notley from 2015-2019.  

Prior to her time in government, Marg spent more 25 years in public and post-secondary education as a teacher and administrator. She served for four years as an executive member with Grande Prairie Regional College, administering the campus in Fairview. 

In 2005, Marg was the recipient of the Robert H. Routledge Award from the Alberta Schools Athletic Association (ASAA) for outstanding service to Alberta students and for the promotion and operation of an athletic program.

In 2016 she was inducted into the ASAA Sports Hall of Fame as an administrator. In 2022, she received the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for her service to Alberta.   

An active member of her community, Marg works with multiple non-profits including Careers: The Next Generation, and volunteers for The Prosperity Project, and the Alberta Schools Athletic Association.

She is also a member of the Riverview Rotary Club in Edmonton and previously served on the board of the Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Alberta.

Joanne Birce has been a proud Calgarian for over 47 years, dedicating thousands of volunteer hours to strengthening her community. A small business owner specializing in operations management for businesses and non-profits, she has also worked in the energy, education, and government sectors, bringing a broad perspective to problem-solving and leadership.

Joanne has served on municipal, provincial, and federal boards, developing strong relationships with leaders at all levels of government and championing causes from youth arts programming to local infrastructure improvements. A dedicated Rotarian, she takes the Rotary motto “Service Above Self” to heart—serving her community and supporting social services across Calgary. Joanne is running for Ward 6 City Council and hopes to be a hard-working, dedicated voice for local residents.

Lindsay Amantea practices corporate law and commercial real estate, specializing in business purchase and sale transactions, advising start-up enterprises, and corporate reorganizations. She also has experience in estate planning and administration with a focus on unique and complex situations.

Thanks to her interdisciplinary background she likes to implement creative methods to achieve her clients’ needs. Lindsay also offers services as a parliamentarian and is a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians. As a lifelong volunteer, she believes in giving back to her community. She has been active with organizations such as Pro Bono Students Canada, Student Legal Assistance, and Ask Her YYC. She has also spent almost two decades in political organizations and campaigns for every level of government across Canada. Lindsay enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, collecting coins, and listening to live music.

With 18 years of combined experience in the Energy Sector, Melissa has held various roles throughout her career, including Finance, Royalty Analyst, Land Analyst, Policy Advisor, Environment Lead, Regulatory & Compliance Advisor, and Strategist. She has contributed to prominent news outlets such as The National Post, The Toronto Sun, The Globe & Mail, and The Hub. Melissa has worked on major pipeline projects spanning three provinces and the United States, as well as a large-scale acquisition/divestment project involving billions in oil and gas assets and land transfers for a Treaty Land Entitlement Settlement.

She has testified before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs regarding Bill C-29, which aims to establish a National Council for Reconciliation, and in 2022, she was invited to testify before the Standing Committee on Finance. Raised on a reserve, Melissa is passionate about helping Indigenous communities achieve economic reconciliation. Her deep industry knowledge, combined with candid discussions about poverty and disparity on reserves, has given her a unique voice on the topic of reconciliation.

One of the most rewarding aspects of her career has been working with environmental firms on well decommissioning and land reclamation, allowing her to integrate traditional knowledge passed down from her grandfather with modern practices. Melissa is a strong advocate for the oil and gas sector, recognizing its role in providing her with a diversified and fulfilling career, as well as helping to break cycles of poverty. She is committed to addressing misinformation and advocating for economic opportunities in Indigenous communities.

Amber Ruddy is a Vice President at Counsel Public Affairs, based in Calgary and is regularly in Ottawa.

With a proven track record spanning federal, provincial, and municipal levels, Amber is a go-to strategist for organizations seeking to navigate Canada’s intricate political landscape. Amber transforms complex policy challenges into strategic opportunities for her clients.

Amber has championed successful campaigns across sectors including healthcare, energy, construction, and non-profit. Her approach combines deep policy expertise with innovative communication strategies, delivering measurable results.

Before joining Counsel, Amber served as the Alberta spokesperson for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. In that role, she led campaigns to cut red tape and achieved victories to lower taxes and fees for entrepreneurs. She has worked for a federal Conservative cabinet minister, an Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament, and organizations including the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation and the Strong and Free Network. She was elected by Conservative Party of Canada members as a National Councillor in March 2021.

Amber leverages her MBA from Queen’s University by bringing a unique blend of business acumen and a political savvy approach to every client engagement.

Based in Calgary, Sarah Rimbey currently serves as the Director of Western Policy for Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. She also serves as the current Chair of Equal Voice, aimed at getting more women involved in politics and improve representation in Canadas chambers, legislatures a the House of Commons.

In her free time, Sarah is focusing on obtaining her Masters of Public Policy from the University of Calgary, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of policy and political structures across Canada. She looks forward to applying her nature of multitasking and ambitious discovery as she embarks on the journey of motherhood, welcoming her first child - expected October 2025!

Tashina is the founder of All About Blockchain, a strategic consulting and engineering firm. She brings exceptional experience from her time with the global team at stake.fish, a premier validator in the Ethereum and Cosmos ecosystems.

Her TEDx talk, "Staking in Blockchain: Investing in a More Equitable Future," reflects her deep passion for blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi). With a Blockchain Product Management Certificate from ELVTR, taught by Mastercard, she exemplifies the drive to innovate and inspire change. Tashina has visited over 30 countries and attended blockchain conferences and hackathons around the world to learn from and collaborate with the builders shaping the future of Web3.

With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the Canadian energy sector, Deidra has held key roles spanning sustainability reporting, commercial contracts, and stakeholder collaboration.

As an energy ambassador and recognized thought leader, Deidra is passionate about promoting balanced, fact-based discussions on energy policy and sustainability. Through her writing, public speaking, and active engagement within the industry, Deidra seeks to advance a more informed and pragmatic dialogue on the future of energy.

Krystle Wittevrongel is a Canadian public policy expert and leader with extensive experience primarily in health and energy policy, alongside broader social, economic, and environmental issues. Since joining the MEI in 2021, she has undertaken progressively more senior roles and currently serves as the Director of Research. In this capacity, she oversees a high-performing research team dedicated to producing rigorous, evidence-based analyses to inform policy decisions that have impact. Her work contributes to the development of effective public policies, advocating for innovative, market-informed solutions that enhance efficiency, increase choice, promote long-term economic resilience, and improve outcomes for Canadians.

Before joining the MEI, Krystle worked in the health policy division of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary. Over more than a decade, her academic and professional efforts have centered on advancing evidence-based policies, particularly regarding health system efficiency and energy policy frameworks. She has an extensive publication record, including peer-reviewed articles and contributions to Canadian health care e-books, and regularly engages with Canadian media through interviews and opinion pieces to influence public discourse. 

Krystle holds several degrees from the University of Calgary, including a Master of Public Policy, a Master of Science, a Bachelor of Arts in International Development, and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. Her graduate research focused on pediatric concussion policies and healthcare utilization, underscoring her expertise in health system performance. Her undergraduate international fieldwork in Ecuador and Ghana enhanced her appreciation for diverse policy environments and the importance of adaptable, market-compatible strategies in both global and domestic settings.

Beyond her research, Krystle is an active community advocate with over ten years of ongoing involvement in nonprofit and social service organizations, serving on boards and mentoring youth and professionals.

With 27 years of experience in acute and community care, Anne Jordan (BScN RN) is a frontline nurse and co-founder of Nurses for Sustainable Care who aspires to contribute to healthcare transformation and inspire nursing resilience.

As a member of the Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs & Leaders (SONSIEL) and an engaged supporter of Canada Powered by Women, she is committed to incorporating nursing perspectives into impacting quality of life and health, such as by the energy and environmental sectors. 

Anne believes we are in a healthcare revolution driven by a tech explosion with AI- a whole new frontier with serious legal, ethical, trust crisis implications. 

Her personal vision is to see barriers removed to health innovation toward high-quality, cost-effective care while safeguarding trust in the nursing voice. 

NFSC is one such forum for nurses who respond with creativity in robust cross-sector evidence-based discussions. 

Anne is proudly a mother of 2 stem girls in Engineering and is happily content not being the smartest person in the room.

Description Rachel, a proud Metis, is a member of the United Nurses of Alberta Local 196 and a community nurse. Her journey began in 2004 when she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a focus on pediatrics and home care. Her experience as a community nurse has deepened her understanding of the social determinants of health, motivating her to become more engaged in her union and local community.

In 2013, Rachel began her union involvement as an Office Rep, inspired by the effectiveness of collective action at her workplace. She is a passionate advocate, particularly when political decisions jeopardize the health and safety of her colleagues and patients. From 2018 to 2023, Rachel served as a member of her Local Occupational Health and Safety Committee and represented employees on several Joint Workplace Health and Safety Committees (JWHSC). She has undergone advanced training in Occupational and Psychological Health and Safety. Rachel's achievements are also evident in her active involvement in initiatives aimed at enhancing the working conditions for nurses in Alberta, with a focus on addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and advocating for presumptive coverage for nurses.

Currently, Rachel holds the position of UNA Local 196 (Edmonton Community) Secretary and chairs her Local Advocacy, Engagement, and Communication Committees. Additionally, she serves as an executive member of the EDLC and contributes to the Education and Political Action Committees. Rachel's achievements are further demonstrated through her participation in diverse activities such as sidewalk chalking, door-to-door outreach, marches, rallies, and information pickets. Beyond her professional life, Rachel is also an artist, photographer, musician, and designer, readily offering her talents for union events.

Kris Sims is the Alberta Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation 

Born and raised in rural Western Canada, she has more than 25 years experience in the political arena as a journalist, advocate and a staffer on Parliament Hill

Back home in the West, she helps fight for lower taxes, less waste and SMALLER more accountable government 

She lives in Lethbridge with her husband and their two children.

Description Heidi McKillop is the President of Alberta Proud and CEO of ASN Productions, where she leads impactful projects that amplify Alberta’s voice and showcase its values.

A dedicated storyteller and advocate, Heidi blends her expertise in media and advocacy to create campaigns that resonate across communities. H

eidi earned two degrees from the University of St. Thomas in New Brunswick and has produced numerous acclaimed documentaries, including A Stranded Nation and Generation Green.

Outside of her professional achievements, she cherishes her most rewarding role being a devoted mother. She is a proud stepmother to three wonderful children, a mom to her spirited 2½-year-old daughter, and is eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new baby.

With a full heart and a full house, she navigates the joys and challenges of motherhood while leading with the same passion, dedication, and purpose that define her professional life.  here

Roberta Gibbons, a highly accomplished business owner and entrepreneur, took ownership of her company in 2014.

Through her visionary leadership, she transformed the business from a modest team of 14 realtors to an impressive workforce exceeding 230 professionals.

With a profound understanding of the industry, Roberta possesses a wealth of knowledge that has been instrumental in driving the company's growth and success.

Beyond her professional achievements, Roberta is recognized for her empathetic nature and unwavering support for women in business. She actively advocates for gender equality and empowerment within the entrepreneurial community.

As part of her commitment to uplifting others, she frequently participates in motivational speaking engagements across various venues in Alberta. Through these seminars, Roberta shares valuable insights and inspirational stories to motivate aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals alike.

Running to serve her third term on Cochrane Town Council, Marni Fedeyko shares her trials and tribulations of being an elected official.

Now, for the first time, she will publicly share her story about her clash with Cochrane Council and administration and the impacts the stigmatization she endured has had on her personal and professional life.

Fedeyko will speak candidly about her experience from within the organization. Being strong and standing up for yourself is not always easy, but it is better than being one of the pack. Fedeyko will share her thoughts about changes she would like to see for political leaders - especially for women entering politics.

Sabrina Grover currently works as the Director of Operations at mddl, a middle housing accelerator based in Calgary.

She is a senior public relations, communications, and advocacy professional with extensive experience driving high-profile campaigns, media engagement, and strategic partnerships across politics, global development, and major public events.

Sabrina has worked extensively with civil society and non-profit organizations both in the Canadian and international contexts. This work has included advocacy for gender equality through improved nutrition for women and girls, as well as around advocacy for participation and inclusion of women in democratic and political processes. 

Sabrina has been involved in politics at all levels in Canada for over a decade, including most recently serving as the campaign manager for Mark Sutcliffe's winning campaign for Mayor of Ottawa, and having run herself in the Federal Election in 2021 in Calgary-Centre for the Liberal Party of Canada. She’s also served as an election observer to the 2018, 2023 Zimbabwe and 2019 Sri Lanka presidential elections.

As a frequent political commentator on CBC Calgary, CTV Power Play, and the Vassy Kapelos Show, she brings firsthand expertise in media relations and broadcast engagement. She  currebtly is serving board roles at the Public Affairs Association of Canada, Sled Island Music Festival, and HomeSpace. 

Tracy Gray is an award-winning entrepreneur, former Member of Parliament (MP) and municipal City Councillor, mother, and has served on multiple boards.

As a two-term MP, Tracy held four Shadow Cabinet Minister portfolios, served on the Conservative Leader’s senior Policy and Planning Team, was Vice Chair of Parliamentary Standing Committees, and introduced Private Members Bill “End the Revolving Door Act” which aimed to offer mental health assessment and addiction treatment and recovery to those sentenced to federal penitentiaries.

Tracy ran for municipal city council to be a voice of small business. Both municipally and federally, she is known for standing up for responsible government spending, supporting vulnerable people and reducing red tape and taxes. 

Her professional career spanned twenty-seven years in the beer and wine industry including founding Discover Wines – 100% BC VQA Wines and Gifts stores with the Kelowna location being number one in sales in the province for thirteen years.

Tracy was a weekly guest on a Global TV CHBC wine lifestyle segment, guest lectured to college and university students on both business and politics and has mentored women starting businesses.

Tracy served on many boards including the Passenger Transportation Board of BC, the Central Okanagan Regional District, Chair for the Okanagan Basin Water Board and Prospera Credit Union for ten years - one of the largest credit unions in Canada. 

Accolades include “Top 40 over 40” by BDO, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award, “100 Women to Watch” in BC, and RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur of the Year.

Tracy is currently a business and government relations strategic advisor. She believes in making a meaningful difference, giving back and leading with integrity from the front.