Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced Tuesday that she has accepted the resignation of Ric McIver as minister of municipal affairs, effective Monday evening.Two sources told the Western Standard McIver is likely to fill the speaker's position after the departure of MLA Nathan Cooper — who is taking a diplomatic position in the U.S. on behalf of Alberta.A vote on a new speaker is set for Tuesday afternoon.In a statement posted on X, Smith expressed gratitude for McIver’s service, saying, “Yesterday evening I accepted the resignation of the Honourable Ric McIver from his position as Minister of Municipal Affairs. I am grateful for Ric’s hard work and commitment to his constituents and to serving Albertans.”McIver, a United Conservative Party MLA for Calgary-Hays since 2012, has served as municipal affairs minister since June 9, 2023. He previously held cabinet roles, including minister of transportation and minister of infrastructure, and was interim leader of the Progressive Conservative Party from 2015 to 2017. .No reason for his resignation was provided in the premier’s statement. Smith appointed Joseph Schow, Alberta’s minister of tourism and sport and government house leader, as interim minister of municipal affairs until a permanent replacement is named.Schow, the MLA for Cardston-Siksika, will take on the additional role while continuing his current duties.“Alberta’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, and the Government House Leader, Joseph Schow, will be serving as Interim Minister of Municipal Affairs until a new minister is appointed,” Smith said. “Minister Schow will be available to municipalities around the province as they continue to navigate the uncertainty of the wild fire season.”The announcement comes as Alberta municipalities face challenges, including wildfire risks and ongoing debates over municipal governance reforms. McIver had been tasked with implementing controversial changes through Bill 20, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, which grants the provincial government increased authority over municipal bylaws and elected officials.
