Following a cabinet shuffle by premier Danielle Smith, Rocky’s MLA has a new title.
Jason Nixon has been appointed Alberta’s new Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services as part of Premier Danielle Smith’s May 16 cabinet shuffle, a move aimed at sharpening the province’s focus on care for seniors and vulnerable populations.
Nixon previously served as Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services. His new title reflects a more targeted mandate within the UCP government, which is in the midst of restructuring its healthcare ministry.
Adriana LaGrange’s role has been altered from Health Minister to Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services. This is to reflect the restructuring of Alberta Health Services into four entities, and is also why Matt Jones and Rick Wilson have been appointed to positions related to healthcare.
Premier Smith unveiled a total of 10 cabinet changes this week, bringing what she says are both seasoned lawmakers and new faces into revised portfolios. The shuffle is part of what the premier describes as her team’s ongoing effort to “fulfill the commitments we made to Albertans during the last election.”
“Our government has already addressed many key priorities of Albertans,” Smith said in a statement. “But we know there is more work to do, and I’m excited to continue working alongside each of my cabinet colleagues as we move forward an ambitious agenda for Albertans.”
Nixon, the MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre, has held various cabinet roles since first being elected in 2015. His new position will see him oversee programs that support assisted living and social support systems across the province, including services for seniors, persons with disabilities, and those requiring ongoing care.
Other notable appointments include:
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Joseph Schow, MLA for Cardston-Siksika, becomes Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration. He was previously Minister of Tourism and Sport and has served as Government House Leader.
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Grant Hunter, MLA for Taber-Warner, is named Associate Minister of Water and will also serve as Chief Government Whip.
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Adriana LaGrange transitions from Minister of Health to Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services as part of a restructuring of Alberta Health Services.
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Matt Jones takes over as Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services.
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Rick Wilson is appointed Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.
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Rajan Sawhney becomes Minister of Indigenous Relations.
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Dan Williams takes on the role of Minister of Municipal Affairs.
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Myles McDougall is now Minister of Advanced Education.
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Andrew Boitchenko steps in as Minister of Tourism and Sport.
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Mohammed Yaseen has been named Associate Minister of Multiculturalism.
Additionally, Demetrios Nicolaides will expand his duties to include childcare, becoming Alberta’s new Minister of Education and Childcare.
The full swearing-in ceremony can be seen below.
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