Larry Shaben

Lawrence "Larry" Ralph Shaben (March 20, 1935 – September 6, 2008) was a Canadian politician of Lebanese descent and the first Muslim Cabinet Minister in Canada. He was also one of the first Muslims to be elected to higher office in North America. He held a seat in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 1975 to 1989 sitting with the governing Progressive Conservative Caucus. During his time in office he served as a cabinet minister in the governments of Premier Peter Lougheed and Don Getty occupying various portfolios from 1979 to 1989.

Early life

Lawrence Ralph Shaben was born on March 20, 1935 in Hanna, Alberta The family moved to Edmonton in the mid-1940s after North America's first mosque was opened there.

Shaben went to Eastwood High School before going on to the University of Alberta. He left university early to join the workforce. Shaben married Alma Saddy in 1960 and they had five children by 1966. He moved his family to High Prairie and bought a general store.

Political career