Alberta's new premier has revealed her cabinet. Here's who is in charge of what
Albertans have a clearer idea of who will run what government departments under Danielle Smith after the new premier revealed her cabinet on Friday.
Several key ministers of Jason Kenney's cabinet will keep their jobs, including Tyler Shandro as Minister of Justice, Jason Copping as Minister of Health and Adriana LaGrange as Minister of Education.
“Keeping the party together I think is an important step in trying to win the next election. This is not a very united United Conservative Party. And so that was I think one of her goals," said political scientist Duane Bratt.
However, Jason Nixon lost his position of government house leader to Joseph Schow, MLA for Cardston-Siksika. Nixon was named the chair of a committee on economy and affordability.
Nixon’s brother Jeremy, on the other hand, did get a spot in cabinet as Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services.
“As the parliamentary secretary to Community and Social Services previously, as well as a shelter operator for many years, I have the relationships within this sector to ensure we can continue the great work being done within Civil Society,” he said in a statement.
“Non-profits are the backbone of our community, and I will continue to work with them to ensure all Albertans are supported.”
Smith named two deputy premiers: Kaycee Madu, formerly the minister in charge of labour and immigration, and Nathan Neudorf, who Kenney had made a parliamentary secretary under environment and parks.
Madu will also head a new portfolio called Skilled Trades and Professions.
Of those who competed against Smith to be the United Conservative Party's new leader, Brian Jean was made Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development; Rebecca Schulz was named Minister of Municipal Affairs; Todd Loewen was assigned the Forestry, Parks and Tourism file; and Rajan Sawhney was made Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism.
Schulz told CTV News she is honoured to be asked to serve in the role.
“I look forward to building strong relationships and working with municipal leaders across Alberta to address issues around economic growth, funding, as well as housing, mental health and addiction supports,” she said in a statement.
Smith's runner-up, Travis Toews, will reclaim the role of finance minister.
“She doesn't want to alienate many of the people who were leadership hopefuls, so, she's brought them back in, taking their expertise and hoping to prevent cracks from developing within this party," said political scientist Chaldeans Mensah.
Leela Aheer, who was eliminated from the contest first, was not given any role.
Demetrios Nicolaides will stay on as Minister of Advanced Education and Rick Wilson as Minister of Indigenous Relations.
“I believe all of the individuals at the table are going to help ensure that we are standing up for Alberta, growing our economy and tackling the cost-of-living challenges,” Nicolaides said.
Sonya Savage was switched from energy to the new ministry of Environment and Protected Areas. Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie will take over as Minister of Energy.
Kenney's culture minister, Ron Orr, was not given a cabinet or caucus position. Jason Luan will leave the Ministry of Community and Social Services to culture.
Additionally, the position of Associate Minister of Status of Women, which previously was located in Orr's ministry, was replaced with a parliamentary secretary role, to be filled by Tanya Fir. Fir led the Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Innovation in Kenney's government.
Municipal affairs minister Ric McIver, transportation's Prasad Panda, and Josephine Pon in seniors and housing were also cut from cabinet.
Smith's cabinet will be sworn in Monday morning.
The full list of cabinet changes is available online.
With files from Nicole Di Donato
Correction
A previous version of this story stated Jason Nixon had been named Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services. In fact, Jeremy Nixon was put in that role.
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