As Albertans prepare to cast their ballots in a provincial election Monday, here's a look at the leading candidates hoping to be elected the province's next Premier:
Raj Sherman: Tory junior minister turned Alberta Liberal leader
Age: 45
Born: Sept. 1, 1966, outside Bikaner, India.
Hometown: Edmonton
Education: Medical degree from University of Alberta
Personal: Partner Sharon MacLean. Sherman has children from a previous marriage.
Riding: Edmonton-Meadowlark
Political Background: Elected to legislature in 2008 for the Progressive Conservatives and named junior health minister. Crossed the floor in 2010 after criticizing government health policy. Joined Liberals and was elected party leader in fall 2011.
Before Politics: Emergency room doctor and air ambulance physician.
Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith: journalist turned libertarian leader
Age: 41
Born: April 1, 1971, in Calgary
Hometown: Calgary
Education: Bachelor of arts in English and economics from University of Calgary
Personal: Husband David Moretta. One child from Moretta's previous marriage
Riding: Highwood. Doesn't currently hold the seat.
Political Background: Elected leader of the Wildrose in October 2009. Former trustee with the Calgary Board of Education.
Before Politics: Journalist writing editorials for the Calgary Herald. Host of current affairs show on Global TV. Property rights advocate. Head of the Alberta chapter of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
Brian Mason: The man who is driving the Alberta New Democrats' bus
Age: 58
Born: Oct. 12, 1953, in Calgary
Hometown: Edmonton
Education: Studied political science at University of Alberta
Personal: Wife Karin. Two sons Peter and Alex
Riding: Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood
Political Background: Edmonton city councillor for 11 years prior to winning a 2001 byelection. Elected party leader in 2004.
Before Politics: Drove Edmonton transit bus for eight years during the 1980s after schooling at University of Alberta.
Tory Leader Alison Redford: relatively new to the game of elected politics
Age: 47
Born: March 7, 1965, in Kitimat, B.C.
Hometown: Calgary
Education: Law degree from University of Saskatchewan
Personal: Husband Glen Jermyn. Daughter Sarah.
Before Politics: Worked in offices of former federal Conservative external affairs minister Joe Clark and prime minister Brian Mulroney. Travelled globe instituting democratic reforms in hot spots such as Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa.
Riding: Calgary-Elbow
Political Background: First elected in 2008. Served as justice minister before successfully winning party leadership to replace Ed Stelmach in fall 2011.
