Premier Redford appoints smaller Cabinet

• Local MLA Evan Berger part of the new Cabinet

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Premier Alison Redford

New Alberta Premier Alison Redford announced her cabinet today, October 12, in an event broadcast live at www.alberta.ca.

The new 21-member cabinet was sworn-in by Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor at Government House and held it's first meeting following the swearing-in ceremony.
Thomas Lukaszuk has been named Education Minister. Manmeet Bhullar is Minister of Service Alberta.  Heather Klimchuk is Minister of Culture and Community Services. Ted Morton has been named Minister of Energy. Fred Horne has been named Minister of Health and Wellness. Ron Leipert has been named Minister of Finance.  Doug Horner remains as Deputy Premier and former Education Minister Dave Hancock remains as Government House Leader. Verlyn Olson is Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and Deputy Government House Leader. Diana McQueen is the new Minister of Environment and Water.  Jonathan Denis is Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security and Deputy Government House Leader. Aboriginal relations and immigration will move to International, Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Relations, with Cal Dallas as Minister, "to better co-ordinate federal and Aboriginal portfolios". Frank Oberle is Minister of Sustainable Resource Development. George VanderBurg is Minister of Seniors. Ray Danyluk is Minister of Transportation.  Jeff Johnson is Minister of Infrastructure. Greg Weadick is  Minister of Advanced Education and Technology.  Jack Hayden is Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation.

Doug Griffiths, who visited Pincher Creek recently on a tour promoting stronger communities, is Minister of Municipal Affairs

Livingstone-Mcleod MLA
Evan Berger
C. Davis photo

Evan Berger named to Cabinet
Livingstone-Macleod MLA Evan Berger has been named Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Redford also announced the appointment of nine parliamentary assistants. A new Operations Committee was formed to help co-ordinate the government’s agenda, including issues management, legislation and house planning, and communications.

“This cabinet reflects what change looks like. It’s a team that’s committed to listening to Albertans, and getting to work right away on bringing the change Albertans want and expect,” Redford said.

According to a Government of Alberta news release, "the new Cabinet will take the helm of a renewed government structure, including the creation of a Ministry of Human Services that will bring together programming for children and families in need.  The function of economic development for the province will move to Treasury Board and Enterprise. The Ministry of Environment and Water will emphasize the importance of protecting one of Alberta’s greatest resources."

Redford's new cabinet is likely to be a short-lived one, with an election expected in the next 9 months.  She has stated that her first priority will be to restore $107 million to the Education budget.  She has also promised a judicial inquiry into allegations of political interference in the provincial health care system.