Alberta’s new Health Minister, and Edmonton’s former mayor, talked about plans for the province’s health portfolio Friday, mere days after he was sworn in to Premier Jim Prentice’s cabinet.

Health Minister Stephen Mandel talked about the ministry – and admitted it will take time to learn about it.

“I have some ideas,” Mandel said. “I don’t know how good they are. We’ll have to wait and see how they pan out.”

He did say wait times and overwhelmed emergency rooms are issues he wants to tackle – but he said he would not call for an overhaul of the entire system.

Mandel acknowledged that many Albertans were frustrated.

“Why is it taking so long? What are the problems? We’re spending enough money,” Mandel said. “It’s not like there’s not enough dough out there.”

He also took aim at a plan dating back to former premier Alison Redford’s election promise to build 140 family care centres throughout Alberta, they’re an idea Mandel is open to dropping.

“They have a challenge in their history, but if I had to guess I’d say yes, that’s a yes,” Mandel said when asked about the centres.

Another issue, Mandel has not yet been elected.

“No, I don’t think [it’s an issue], it’s not like we’re going to wait 7 to 8 years to get elected,” Mandel said. “We’ll go ahead as soon as possible and hopefully we’re successful and if we’re not we’ll have to worry about those consequences then.”

Either way, political expert Bob Murray told CTV News Mandel’s job is a big one.

“In some ways, it’s a no-win situation. You get someone that’s supposed to be incredibly high profile…and you’re giving him the toughest most dysfunctional ministry around,” Murray said.

Mandel said an update on the byelection will come out in the coming days.

With files from Dan Grummett