Deborah Grey O.C. MP (Ret'd)

DEBORAH GREY was born on July 1, 1952 in Vancouver, BC. She graduated from the University of Alberta in Edmonton with a double B.A., in Arts and in Education. From 1979-1989, Deborah taught high school at Alberta's Frog Lake Indian reserve and in Dewberry, Alberta. Her history-making political career took a turn when, in 1989, she won a by-election becoming the Reform Party's first Member of Parliament. She served in that position for 15 1⁄2 years, watching the growth of Reform, which transitioned into the Canadian Alliance. She was instrumental in building bridges with the Progressive Conservative Party, which eventually amalgamated into the Conservative Party of Canada. She was Canada’s first-ever female Leader of the Official Opposition, serving in that position from March-September, 2000. Deborah retired from elected office in June, 2004, after winning four straight elections.
After leaving office, Deb has become a professional speaker with the National Speakers’ Bureau. She continues to travel across Canada, addressing groups on leadership, balancing work and play, and relationship-building. She has been involved with many charity events, such as honourary chairman for Ride for Sight, Ride for the Breath of Life (cystic fibrosis), Edmonton Dream Centre (women’s shelter). In Dec. 2007, Deborah was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for Public Service.