Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a cabinet shuffle on Friday, appointing new ministers and reassigning portfolios to address Albertans’ priorities, including healthcare reform, economic growth, and affordability.The changes follow the resignation of Ric McIver, who stepped down as a cabinet minister to become Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta after the spring sitting concluded. The reshuffled cabinet includes both experienced and new ministers, reflecting Alberta’s diverse population, Smith said.“I’m eager to collaborate with this dedicated team to fulfill the commitments we made to Albertans during the last election,” Smith said in a statement. “Our government has already addressed many key priorities of Albertans, but we know there is more work to do, and I’m excited to continue working alongside each of my cabinet colleagues as we move forward an ambitious agenda for Albertans.”Key appointments include Myles McDougall as Minister of Advanced Education, Matt Jones as Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, Rajan Sawhney as Minister of Indigenous Relations, and Joseph Schow as Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration. .Rick Wilson will take on Mental Health and Addiction, while Dan Williams becomes Minister of Municipal Affairs. Adriana LaGrange, tasked with overseeing healthcare reform, is now Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services, and Andrew Boitchenko takes on Tourism and Sport.Demetrios Nicolaides will add childcare to his portfolio as Minister of Education and Childcare, and Jason Nixon’s title changes to Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, reflecting his oversight of Assisted Living Alberta. Mohammed Yaseen is appointed Associate Minister of Multiculturalism, and Grant Hunter becomes Associate Minister of Water and Chief Government Whip.The shuffle aligns with Alberta’s healthcare restructuring, with four new agencies — Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta, and Recovery Alberta — each now assigned a corresponding minister.LaGrange will continue leading the healthcare refocusing efforts.“I’m pleased to continue the important work of re-focusing our healthcare system with the support of my colleagues,” LaGrange said. “Moving forward, we will work together to ensure that patients in our healthcare system have an integrated seamless experience and get the care they need when and where they need it.”Smith emphasized that the cabinet will work collaboratively to grow the economy, keep life affordable, reform healthcare, fight crime, and defend Alberta against federal policies.
