Lawrence "Larry" Ralph Shaben | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta | |
| In office 1975–1989 | |
| Preceded by | Dennis Barton |
| Succeeded by | Pearl Calahasen |
| Constituency | Lesser Slave Lake |
| Minister of Utilities and Telephones | |
| In office March 1979 – November 1982 | |
| Preceded by | Allan Warrack |
| Succeeded by | Robert Bogle |
| Minister of Housing | |
| In office November 1982 – May 1986 | |
| Preceded by | Tom Chambers |
| Succeeded by | Ray Danyluk |
| Minister of Economic Development and Trade | |
| In office May 1986 – March 1989 | |
| Preceded by | Hugh Planche |
| Succeeded by | Peter Elzinga |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 20, 1935 Hanna, Alberta, Canada |
| Died | September 6, 2008 (aged 73) Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Political party | Progressive Conservative |
| Spouse | Alma Shaben |
| Alma mater | University of Alberta |
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.