About
Heather Forsyth Was first elected MLA for Calgary- Fish Creek in 1993. She is currently a member of the Standing Committee on Health, Alberta Heritage and Savings Trust Fund Committee, the Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and the Standing Committee on Public Safety and Services. Heather has also served as a member of the Public Accounts Committee and the Standing Committee on Government Services.
In 1999, as MLA, Heather worked diligently to pass the Protection of Children Involved in Prostitution (PChIP) Act. By the summer of 2008, the legislation had taken more than 400 child prostitutes off the streets and gained international attention for being the first of its kind.
In 2001 Heather was appointed Alberta’s Solicitor General. During her tenure as Solicitor General, she introduced Canada’s first Amber Alert program and launched Alberta’s high-risk offender website. In 2004 Heather became Minister of Children’s Services. She passed the Drug Endangered Children Act, another Canada first, which protected children and youth involved in illegal drug activity.
Heather was recognized in 2002 by Reader’s Digest and was named Canadian Hero for her outstanding dedication to protecting children and youth. Of the many honors Heather has received, she considers being bestowed the Blackfoot name Aahsoikinnah-kaiki, which means healing woman, as one of the greatest.
Prior to becoming MLA for Calgary- Fish Creek, Heather worked as a sales and marketing manager in the advertising industry for more than 15 years, during which she received the Silver Marketing Award and the 1989 President’s Award. Heather believes in giving back to the community. She has volunteered with various groups, such as the Children’s Wish Foundation, the provincial Youth Justice Committee, the Alberta Social Services Appeal Advisory Board and the Calgary Board of Health.
Heather continues to support programs and initiatives that improve the well being of children and youth across the country. During the spring 2010 sitting of the Alberta Legislature, Heather passed Bill 202, the Mandatory Reporting of Child Pornography Act, which requires individuals to report any material that is believed to be child pornography to police authorities or any reporting entity.
She is the founder and Chair of the Peanut Butter Classic Society, a non-profit organization which raises funds for charities that aid women and children.
Heather is a golf enthusiast an avid reader and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. A native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan she resides in Calgary with her husband, Gordon and is the mother of two sons.