CORRECTION: The original story said that the Alberta cabinet was expanded. This is incorrect. While a new minister was added to the cabinet, another minister was removed, but not mentioned in the government’s news release..Alberta Premier Jason Kenney made a minor shuffle to his cabinet today. The move was billed by the premier as positioning the province for economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and a continuing sluggish economy..Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Doug Schweitzer will be shuffled to the newly created position of Jobs, Economy and Innovation. Municipal Affairs Minister Kaycee Made will become Alberta’s new Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, while Grande Prairie MLA Tracy Allard is elevated from the backbencher to the Municipal Affairs portfolio..Economic Development, Trade and Tourism Minister Tanya Fir was removed from her job and moves to the backbenches. The demotion was not mentioned in the government’s press release..“I also welcome Tracy Allard, MLA for Grande Prairie, to the cabinet team as the new Minister of Municipal Affairs,” said Kenney. “She will create strong and successful municipal partnerships influenced by a lifetime of real world business experience as a local entrepreneur. She will challenge governments to focus on small business priorities and economic growth..The move keeps the size of Alberta’s cabinet at 23 members. The cabinet is large by historical standards, with former premier Rachael Notley’s last cabinet consisting of 20 ministers..Promotion to cabinet brings with it a pay bump of $60,468, for a total of $181,404, and a full staff compliment..Western Standard Staff
