Janis Irwin

Irwin grew up in Barrhead, Alberta.[5] Prior to being elected, Irwin was a high school social studies teacher in Bawlf, Alberta and served as vice-principal in Forestburg, Alberta.[6][7][8][9] Irwin came out in her late 20s.[10] In 2010, Irwin moved to Edmonton to start working with Alberta Education, focusing on curriculum.[11]

Irwin holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, a Master of Education from the University of Calgary, and completed PhD-level coursework at the University of Alberta without defending her thesis.

Since being elected as a member of Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Irwin has been an advocate against conversion therapy by citing the harmful organization Journey Canada with its ties to this practice.[12] Another issue Irwin has been strongly advocating on is the legal protections of gay-straight alliances (GSAs) in the education system in Alberta.[13][14]

Irwin serves on the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future, as well as the Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members' Public Bills.[15]

Irwin was previously a member of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.[15]

Irwin is the Official Opposition Deputy Whip and Critic for LGBTQ2S+ and Women's Issues.[15]

In the Legislature, Irwin confessed humorously to having a "gay agenda", which she described as consisting of her drinking coffee, going to work, mowing her lawn, and cleaning her house just like heterosexual people do.[13] Irwin has joked that she is the only openly "ML-gay" in the legislature, which does not mean she needs to speak on all gay-related issues.[10]