“Grandma is the Mayor”: Women’s Participation in Local Politics in Alberta

Based on a survey of 198 women serving in local government in the Canadian province of Alberta, our study investigates the motivations of women to serve in local government. This paper explores the relationship between community, Alberta’s conservative political culture, family roles, and the idea of giving back. In doing so, we argue that although family remains an important consideration for women considering local office, this is balanced by the strong desire of the women to serve and better their communities.