NDP party leader Rachel Notley is now Alberta’s 17th premier, and the first for the NDP.
Hundreds turned out for the ceremony held at the Alberta Legislature Sunday afternoon.
The event began with a speech, prayer and performance from First Nations representatives, at the request of Premier Notley.
There were loud cheers in the crowd as Chief Justice Catherine Fraser accepted the resignation of Jim Prentice and the PC Party.
Premier Notley will also hold the role of Minister of International and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Her cabinet includes:
- Brian Mason, Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation
- David Eggen, Minister of Education and Minister of Culture and Tourism
- Deron Bilious, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister of Service Alberta
- Joe Ceci, President of Treasury Board, Minister of Finance
- Margaret McCuaig Boyd, Minister of Energy
- Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health and Minister of Seniors
- Kathleen Ganley, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General and Aboriginal Affairs
- Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education, and Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour
- Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development
- Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development and Minister of Parks and Recreation and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
- Irfan Sabir, Minister of Human Services
Premier Notley described her 11-member cabinet as a “remarkable” and “lean, efficient” team.
During her speech Notley said she was thinking about all those who lived and worked in the province including shift workers, farmers and ranchers, business people and job creators, roughnecks, teachers and healthcare professionals.
“Because of all of you Alberta is the province it has become. A province we all love.
“Together we are creating new opportunities for each other and around the world. That is the spirit that is moving us forward.”
Premier Notley also said she had confidence for the future of the province despite hard times.
“We are living in challenging times. The collapse of oil prices reaches into every community in the province.”
She noted that too many were struggling and worrying about their financial future.
“I know and you know our province can do better.”
She said her cabinet was the right one for the province.
“Albertans have chosen a stable, majority government that will put the right priorities first.
“A government that shares the very same values that built our province and our prosperity.
“Friends, it is a spring time in Alberta and a fresh wind is blowing. To harness its potential the hard work begins today.”
With files from Veronica Jubinville, Breanna Karstens-Smith
