Heather McPherson was elected to represent the riding of Edmonton Strathcona in the House of Commons of Canada in October 2019 and was re-elected to her seat in September 2021, and again in April 2025. Heather is currently the NDP critic for Foreign Affairs and International Development, as well as critic for International Trade, for Seniors, for Heritage (Arts, Culture, and Sport), and for Agriculture. 

 

She also currently serves as Caucus Chair for the current NDP caucus, having previously served as both Whip and Deputy Whip for the federal NDP in the House of Commons. Like her time prior to the 2021 election, Heather is the only non-Conservative Member of Parliament in Alberta. 

 

Prior to her time in Parliament, Heather spent over 20 years working on sustainable development and international cooperation efforts through the non-profit sector, including 10 years as Executive Director of the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation. Heather has worked closely with the Canadian and international community, focusing on sustainable development, good governance, and human rights.  Heather has a master's degree from the University of Alberta in Educational Policy Studies in Theoretical, Cultural, and International Studies in Education, with a focus on incorporating indigenous knowledges in the achievement of sustainable development. 

 

Heather lives in Edmonton, Alberta with her partner and two children where she takes full advantage of the close proximity to lakes, forests, and mountains.