Meet Hansard, the Alberta legislature's pet kitten
One of the Alberta legislature’s newest employees has made it her mission to teach Albertans about democracy.
Hansard Rose is a four-month-old kitten who’s now known around the building as the Speaker’s cat.
She arrived when she was only a few days old.
Hansard the Speaker's cat.
“Hansard initially was bottle fed and so everybody in the office took turns taking care of Hansard and so she’s really endeared herself to the entire building,” Nathan Cooper, Speaker of the House told CTV News Edmonton.
It’s not just the staff at the legislature who have fallen in love with Hansard. Cooper posts regular updates about his cat to social media in hopes of teaching people about the building and the democratic process.
“One of my jobs is to help educate people about the legislature, the things that we do here, why they’re important, the symbols, that kind of thing, and so Hansard has been a great tool to help connect folks who otherwise don’t think about the legislature, but now they have this neat, cute connection.”
Hansard and Speaker Nathan Cooper.
Even Hansard’s name is related to the legislature.
“Hansard is a function of the legislature that records every single word that is spoken inside the chamber. It’s called Hansard. And Hansard departments exist in most Westminster parliamentary systems,” Cooper said.
“Every single word that’s been spoken since about 1970 can be looked up on the internet today through Hansard. So whether it’s talking about Hansard, or the mace, or cool portraits around the building that Hansard tours and checks out, this is a great way to connect people to our democracy.”
Hansard has become so popular that she even has her own fan social media account, @TheAbLegCat.
“I actually don’t know who holds the account,” Cooper said. “They’ve been a great addition, super funny and engaging, really chatting from Hansard’s perspective, but it’s actually not me or my office, so whoever it is, I hope you keep being as non-partisan as the speaker is, because it’s important that the message we communicate with the cat is really about the importance of our democracy, the importance of the legislature and how people can interact with it.”
When she’s not holding court with staff at the legislature or touring the building, Hansard spends her time at home with Cooper and his family.
Hansard and Speaker Nathan Cooper.
“I also have three kids who love Hansard and it’s been a really great addition, not just to the legislature but also to the family.”
“Sometimes politicians and politics seem like a far off, distant problem, but really we’re people too who have pets and families and want to engage with the public.”
And Cooper hopes when he leaves, Hansard will have a successor.
“When I leave, I hope the next speaker continues the speaker cat tradition.”
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jessica Robb.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.