Premier Jason Kenney has announced several changes to cabinet and welcomed six new members.
With the COVID-19 pandemic now taking a back seat, Alberta’s government is focused on a plan to build, diversify the economy and create good jobs.
The changes to cabinet reflect this renewed focus on recovery.
Nate Horner, MLA for Drumheller-Stettler, becomes Associate Minister of Rural Economic Development, under the Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Innovation.
He will support Minister Doug Schweitzer in making sure Alberta’s Recovery Plan delivers results for rural and remote Alberta communities, working across government on important strategic initiatives such as expanding rural broadband internet and irrigation networks.
Ron Orr, MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka, becomes the Minister of Culture.
He will focus on helping Alberta’s arts and culture organizations recover from the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 while implementing an Alberta Identity Strategy that will address recommendation 25 of the Fair Deal Panel to “affirm Alberta’s cultural, economic and political uniqueness in law and government policy.”
Six Calgary-based MLAs are taking on other various positions such as Rajan Sawhney, MLA for Calgary-North East, becoming Minister of Transportation after his role as Minister of Community and Social Services.
“Alberta is leading Canada out of the COVID-19 pandemic and into strong economic growth,” said Premier Kenney.
“This renewal of our cabinet will support Alberta’s Recovery Plan, a plan to build, to diversify the economy and to create jobs. With six new voices and strong, experienced ministers moving into important economic roles, Alberta’s government is ready to deliver a strong recovery for all Albertans.”
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