Colette Smithers immigrated from Ireland to Alberta at age 16. Her early career advanced from entry-level to executive Human Resources and Administration roles in a variety of industries including municipal government, energy and finance, specializing in business start-ups.
Most recently, Colette spent several years in commercial trucking as Swamper on a winch truck, hauling over-dimensional loads throughout the western US and Alberta’s oilsands, her ‘Tonka Land’. She is a graduate of the first ever Women Building Futures / Imperial Oil Heavy Equipment Training Program. She is a passionate advocate for the continued responsible development of Alberta’s resources and gaining access to international markets while honouring our commitment to addressing climate change and
protecting the environment.
It is exciting to see a growing renewable energy sector in Southeast Alberta and Colette looks forward to the opportunities the Alberta Party’s ‘ambitious growth plan for rural Alberta’ will bring to Cypress-Medicine Hat.
At 50 years old Colette became homeless, an experience she shares as a contributing writer in the 2017 bestselling anthology, When Women Talk: Empowering Each Other One Story at a Time. That experience, particularly her time spent with the women of the Calgary YWCA Mary Dover House, ignited a passion in her to advocate for vulnerable and marginalized people in our community.
“My belief that I am my sister’s keeper is at the forefront of everything I do. My heart lies in the area of Social Responsibility, being an advocate and voice for vulnerable and marginalized sectors of our society. As your MLA, I will champion policies that bring about positive change for health, education, justice, poverty and housing – anything that opens doors to give all Albertans the opportunity to enjoy a rich quality of life, regardless of race, gender, colour, religion, sexual orientation or ability.”
Colette traded in her steel toes for high heels to launch Women Talk Medicine Hat. Her entrepreneurial venture, Dream Achievers, offers personal and virtual assistance to small business. She is an active volunteer in local poverty and homelessness initiatives.
