Premier Danielle Smith has announced her new cabinet, and it includes Todd Loewen, who sat as an Independent MLA under the Jason Kenney government for opposing the former premier’s COVID-19 restrictions. Loewen has since been welcomed back into United Conservative Party caucus, and was named minister of forestry, parks and tourism on Friday.
Meanwhile, Travis Toews will stay on as finance minister, while Brian Jean will become the minister of jobs, economy and northern development. Rebecca Schulz gets municipal affairs and Rajan Sawhney becomes the trade, immigration and multiculturalism minister.
Smith’s new cabinet doesn’t have a spot for Kenney, or his house leader Jason Nixon. Leela Aheer, who placed last in the leadership contest won by Smith, was the only leadership candidate not to get a portfolio.
In a statement, Smith said her cabinet will work every day to “gain your trust, make bold changes and continue to build the most innovative, entrepreneurial and welcoming province in the world.”
“I want to thank our entire team for their tireless dedication to Albertans and we’re looking forward to the days ahead.”
The 24 member cabinet also includes:
- Deputy Premier and Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions – Kaycee Madu
- Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure – Nathan Neudorf
- Minister of Justice – Tyler Shandro
- Minister of Health – Jason Copping
- Minister of Energy – Pete Guthrie
- Minister of Environment and Protected Areas – Sonya Savage
- Minister of Technology and Innovation – Nate Glubish
- Minister of Affordability and Utilities – Matt Jones
- Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors – Devin Dreeshen
- Minister of Public Safety – Mike Ellis
- Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation – Nate Horner
- Minister of Education – Adriana LaGrange
- Minister of Advanced Education – Demetrios Nicolaides
- Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction – Dale Nally
- Minister of Indigenous Relations – Rick Wilson
- Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services – Jeremy Nixon
- Minister of Children’s Services – Mickey Amery
- Minister of Mental Health and Addictions – Nicholas Milliken
- Minister of Culture – Jason Luan
Caucus leadership positions go to whip Brad Rutherford, house leader Joseph Schow and deputy house leaders Madu, Amery, and David Hanson.
