Michael Cooper is the Conservative Member of Parliament for St. Albert-Edmonton. First elected in 2015, Michael was re-elected in 2019, and again in 2021. Michael serves as Shadow Minister for Democratic Reform. He is also the Vice-Chair of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying and a member of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs.

Michael has been a strong advocate for victims and strengthening Canada’s criminal justice system. Michael sponsored Bill S-217, known as Wynn’s Law, in honour of the late Constable David Wynn who was shot and killed by a career criminal out on bail. Wynn’s Law would amend the Criminal Code to make it mandatory for the criminal history of bail applicants to be disclosed at bail hearings, something that could have saved the life of Constable Wynn.

Michael has also been an advocate for jurors, which is the last form of mandatory civic duty in Canada. In 2018, Michael introduced Bill C-417, which would amend the Criminal Code so that former jurors suffering from mental health issues arising from their jury service can disclose all aspects of their jury service with medical health professionals without criminal penalty. The Bill passed unanimously at all stages in the House of Commons, a significant achievement given that few Private Members’ Bills introduced by opposition MPs pass at any stage. The 2019 election was called before the Bill could be voted on in the Senate.

Since then, Michael worked with Conservative Senator Pierre-Hughes Boisvenu in championing similar legislation. Their efforts resulted in the passage of Bill S-206 and a change in the law. Former jurors will now be able to disclose all aspects of their jury service with a medical health professional. This small change in the Criminal Code will go a long way to support juror mental health.

As a leading advocate for strengthening relations with Taiwan, in June 2021, Michael introduced Bill C-315, the Canada-Taiwan Relations Framework Act. Modeled after the U.S. Taiwan Relations Act, the Bill proposed establishing a framework for strengthening Canada-Taiwan relations, including in respect of economic, cultural, and legal affairs.

In January 2020, Michael called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to support Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization, as part of an internationally coordinated response to COVID-19. In reply, Trudeau announced for the first time Canada’s support for Taiwan’s participation.

Michael has worked tirelessly to hold the Liberal government accountable. He played a key role as a member of the Justice and Finance Committees when hearings were held on the Liberal government’s SNC and WE Charity scandals.

Michael is a lifelong resident of St. Albert and an active community volunteer. He is a Lector at St. Albert Catholic Parish and a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Albert Rotary Club and the St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce.

A graduate of the University of Alberta, Michael received a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws, both with distinction. He was called to the Alberta Bar in 2010. Prior to being elected Michael worked as a civil litigator at a leading Edmonton law firm.