Alberta Premier Danielle Smith unveiled her new cabinet on Friday with a focus on public safety and rural Alberta. 

The cabinet, which consists of 25 ministers, most of whom come from rural areas and smaller communities in Alberta. Smith said she wanted to balance experience and fresh faces, as well as moderate and conservative views, in her new team.

“I am so pleased to have this team working with me to deliver on the promises we made to Albertans during the election. These are not just our government’s priorities, they are Albertans’ priorities. The next four years start today, and I can’t wait to get back to work with each of my cabinet colleagues,” said Smith.

Some of the key appointments include the elevation of MLA Mike Ellis as Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. 

Ellis is one of the few UCP MLAs who represent Calgary, where the party lost ground to the NDP.

Smith also appointed Adriane Legrenge as Minister of Health, replacing Tyler Shandro who lost his seat in Calgary-Acadia. LaGrange will face the challenge of managing the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and improving the province’s healthcare situation.

Lagrange served as Minister of Education under former premier Jason Kenney and represents the riding of Red Deer – North.

MLA Nate Horner was handed the Finance Ministry, replacing Travis Toews who did not run for re-election.

Innisfail–Sylvain Lake MLA Devin Dreeshen was also afforded a post in cabinet despite his resignation as Minister of Agriculture in 2021. Dreeshen was tasked with overseeing the Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors. 

As for the education profile, Calgary–Bow MLA Demetrios Nicolaides was appointed as Minister of Education. Nicolaides has a long history of advocating for post-secondary funding reform and trades and apprenticeship programs and served as the Minister of Advanced Education under the Kenney government. 

His former post went to MLA Rajan Sawhney. 

MLA Brian Jean, who returned to cabinet as Minister of Energy and Minerals, after losing the UCP leadership race to Smith in 2019.

MLA Todd Loewen, who became Minister of Forestry and Parks, after resigning as UCP caucus chair and calling for Kenney’s resignation in May 2021. He was welcomed back into the fold by Smith after winning his riding of Central Peace-Notley.

The Minister of Justice post went to MLA Mickey Amery, who replaced Kaycee Madu who lost his seat in Edmonton-South West. 

Some of the priorities highlighted by the Alberta government include the economy, tackling crime healthcare reform and defending the province’s interests. 

Edmonton, however, remains without any UCP representation in cabinet, as the NDP swept all 20 seats in the capital city. 

Smith said she will consult with city councillors and Mayor Amarjeet Sohi on Edmonton’s issues and needs. She also said she will create an advisory council of former UCP candidates who ran in Edmonton.

The new cabinet was sworn in at the Government House in Edmonton. Smith said her priorities for her second term are to create jobs, grow the economy, protect health care and balance the budget by 2026.