The provincial government announced a series of changes to cabinet late Friday afternoon.
In the new cabinet, Thomas Lukaszuk has been removed from the post of Deputy Premier, and replaced by Dave Hancock.
Lukaszuk inherits the Ministry of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour – a new portfolio, while Hancock will take over as Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education.
Hancock’s old file has been taken over by Minister Manmeet Bhullar, who used to look after the Ministry of Service Alberta – a portfolio taken over by Minister Doug Griffiths.
Griffiths’ former post as Minster of Municipal Affairs has been taken over by Minister Ken Hughes.
In addition, Minister Diana McQueen has been moved from Environment and Sustainable Resource Development to Energy, with Minister Robin Campbell taking over her former post.
Doug Horner retains his position as President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Finance, as did Ministers Fred Horne (Health), Jeff Johnson (Education), and Jonathan Denis (Minister of Justice and Solicitor General).
The province said the series of changes and 19 cabinet posts are designed to continue with the government’s ‘Building Alberta Plan’.
“The strengthened ministerial team will lead the next phase of the Building Alberta Plan, with a focus on expanding our economy, driving innovation and working every day to create an even better quality of life for Albertans,” Premier Alison Redford said in a press release.
Three Associate Minister positions have been maintained in the shuffle, with Kyle Fawcett, Greg Weadick and Rick Fraser staying on as Associate Ministers for Recovery and Reconstruction in south west and south east Alberta, and for High River, respectively.
