Calahasen rumored for cabinet post

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Lesser Slave MLA Pearl Calahasen is keeping a low profile amid suggestions when may be in line for a provincial cabinet post.

Calahasen declined to comment on whether she's discussed a cabinet post with Premier Don Getty but she'd clearly like the opportunity.

"I wouldn't mind a challenge like that. I always accept challenges," she said.

Calahasen, 36, was elected to the Alberta legislature March 20 in the provincial election.

She is one of three Metis MLAs in the house. The others are Solicitor General Dick Fowler and Athabasca MLA Mike Cardinal.

Getty apparently has four candidates to choose from as he attempts to replace Career Development Minister Connie Osterman with a woman in the post.

Osterman was fired by Getty July 28 after a judicial inquiry conducted by lawyer Bill Code found her negligent for her role in monitoring the Principal Group empire, which collapsed

two years ago.

Public Works Minister Ken Kowalski is temporarily filling Osterman's post.

Apart from Calahasen, the other women candidates are Calgary-Glenmore's Dianne Mirosh, Calgary-Foothills MLA Pat Black and Bonnie Laing from Calgary-Bow.

Calahasen, who was born in Grouard, hinted she may have more to say on the issue this week.