Calgary-Hays MLA Ric McIver was elected Speaker of the Alberta Legislature on Tuesday, hours after resigning as minister of municipal affairs.Premier Danielle Smith announced McIver’s resignation Tuesday, thanking him for his “hard work and commitment to his constituents and to serving Albertans.” McIver is a longtime United Conservative Party MLA. The legislature elected him as speaker during a special sitting, replacing MLA Nathan Cooper, who took a diplomatic role in the U.S. on behalf of Alberta."Despite the fact that I've watched this show, this important place, for almost 13 years, that doesn't mean I won't mess it up, but with your help, I'll fail along until we get better at it," said McIver in a short acceptance speech."I'm committed to everybody on both sides, to honour the traditions of this place, to be non-partisan, and to help us get through the business of the day, every day."McIver's colleagues lauded his track record and experience prior to the vote. .As speaker, McIver will oversee legislative proceedings and maintain order in the assembly.Joseph Schow, minister of tourism and sport, was appointed interim minister of municipal affairs until a permanent replacement is named.Smith said Schow, “will be available to municipalities around the province as they continue to navigate the uncertainty of the wild fire season.”McIver, a former Calgary city councillor, has served in multiple cabinet roles, including transportation and infrastructure.The Alberta NDP nominated Edmonton-Manning MLA Heather Sweet for the speaker's job.
