Stephanie McLean first MLA to have baby while in office
It's a boy!
NDP MLA for Calgary-Varsity Stephanie McLean delivered a first Saturday. The first Alberta MLA to have a baby while in office.
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Patrick Shane McLean-Bostock was born at 8:57 a.m. at a healthy nine pounds, five ounces, McLean tweeted Saturday afternoon.
The congratulations came fast and furious online.
Premier Rachel Notley tweeted "So happy to hear Baby Patrick has arrived. Congratulations to you both @NDPStephanie & Shane!"
Political blogger Dave Cournoyer jumped in.
"@NDPStephanie congratulations and good luck!" he commented.
Former Progressive Conservative MLA and premier Dave Hancock offered a personal note.
"@NDPStephanie Congratulations! Nothing reminds you more of why you are doing what you are doing than children (in my case grandchildren)," he tweeted.
A sitting MLA having a baby while in office is a first for Alberta.
MLAs cannot take parental leave as they don't pay into employment insurance.
In November Notley committed to changing that, calling legislative rules "archaic".
While no female MLA in Alberta has given birth while in office, it has happened elsewhere in Canada.
Former Liberal MP Sheila Copps, B.C. Premier Christy Clark and former Quebec premier Pauline Marois are among those who have delivered a baby while serving as elected officials.
