Lethbridge-East MLA named infrastructure minister & deputy premier

“I’m even more excited for Lethbridge to get this recognition again that we are a unique part of the province, very strongly based in agriculture,” says Neudorf. “I’ve long held the opinion that Lethbridge deserves and needs a voice at the cabinet table.”

Neudorf continues, “Because of that uniqueness, elevating that voice where you’re not just one in a crowd, you are one in a few, gives you a little bit more time, access, and sway in those arguments.”

Deputy Premier

In this position, Neudorf will be Smith’s right-hand man in Edmonton.

He explains that the role of the deputy premier can vary depending on the leader, but he has been directed to ensure that all MLAs can share the perspectives and concerns of their local communities.

Neudorf says he will focus on the inter-government relationships between ministries and MLAs, as well as ensuring that governmental tasks do not fall through the cracks.

“Unity doesn’t just happen. It takes intentions, it takes time, it takes effort,” says Neudorf. “That’s one of the tasks I’ve been given to work on that collaboration and hunt out where we can do things better ministerially, as well as with back-benchers, or private members, I should say, to develop those relationships even further.”

Minister of Infrastructure

While Neudorf is no stranger to having additional governmental responsibilities, this will be his first time as a cabinet minister.

Since being elected as an MLA in 2019, he has been the UCP Caucus Chair, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment for Water Stewardship, Chair of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future, and has been involved with numerous task forces.

Neudorf believes that his appointment as infrastructure minister came down to his experience in government and the 25 years he spent working in commercial construction prior to entering politics.

“I feel that my years of experience in construction can accelerate that understanding on government as far as private industry’s requests in this area,” says Neudorf.

Neudorf says he will likely have to spend a bit more time in other communities speaking with stakeholders, but it should not take him too far away from his responsibilities in Lethbridge given the roles he has previously had.

The Government of Alberta Caucus

Premier Danielle Smith says her cabinet represents a strong mix of rural and urban MLAs from every geographic region of the province.

“I am thrilled to [be] working with this strong, determined, united group of MLAs. Alberta’s future is bright – but there’s a lot of work to be done. Our team will work every day to gain your trust, make bold changes and continue to build the most innovative, entrepreneurial and welcoming province in the world,” says Smith.

Some members, such as Travis Toews as the Minister of Finance, Tyler Shandro as the Minister of Justice, Jason Copping as the Minister of Health, and Adriana LaGrange as the Minister of Education, remain where they are.

Others, such as Brian Jean as the Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Northern Development, come into positions that are new for them.

Joseph Schow, the member for Cardston-Siksika, has been appointed the government’s House Leader.

The full list of cabinet ministers is as follows:

Deputy Premier and Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions – Kaycee Madu
Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure – Nathan Neudorf
President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance – Travis Toews
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development – Brian Jean
Minister of Justice – Tyler Shandro
Minister of Health – Jason Copping
Minister of Energy – Pete Guthrie
Minister of Environment and Protected Areas – Sonya Savage
Minister of Technology and Innovation – Nate Glubish
Minister of Affordability and Utilities – Matt Jones
Minister of Municipal Affairs – Rebecca Schulz
Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors – Devin Dreeshen
Minister of Public Safety – Mike Ellis
Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation – Nate Horner
Minister of Forestry, Parks and Tourism – Todd Loewen
Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism – Rajan Sawhney
Minister of Education – Adriana LaGrange
Minister of Advanced Education – Demetrios Nicolaides
Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction – Dale Nally
Minister of Indigenous Relations – Rick Wilson
Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services – Jeremy Nixon
Minister of Children’s Services – Mickey Amery
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions – Nicholas Milliken
Minister of Culture – Jason Luan

Caucus leadership positions will include:

Whip (Minister without portfolio) – Brad Rutherford
House Leader (Minister without portfolio) – Joseph Schow
Deputy House Leaders – Kaycee Madu, Mickey Amery, David Hanson

The following people will serve as parliamentary secretaries:

Parliamentary Secretary for Ukrainian Refugee Settlement – Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk
Parliamentary Secretary for EMS Reform – RJ Sigurdson
Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health – Tany Yao
Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Corridors – Shane Getson
Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism – Miranda Rosin
Parliamentary Secretary for Agrifood Development – Glenn van Dijken
Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism – Devinder Toor
Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women – Tanya Fir
Parliamentary Secretary for Community Outreach – Muhammad Yaseen
Parliamentary Secretary for Procurement Transformation – David Hanson
Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business – Martin Long

New government committees will be chaired by:

Economy and Affordability Cabinet Policy Committee – Jason Nixon
Alberta First Cabinet Policy Committee – Garth Rowswell
Social Services Cabinet Policy Committee – Searle Turton
Building Communities Cabinet Policy Committee – Pat Rehn
Legislative Review Committee Chair – Jason Stephan

The nine members of the Treasury Board are:

Travis Toews
Matt Jones
Nate Glubish
Rebecca Schulz
Devin Dreeshen
Jordan Walker
Rick Wilson
Nathan Neudorf
Pete Guthrie

Cabinet ministers will be sworn in on Monday, October 24, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.

Danielle Smith became the Premier of Alberta earlier this month after winning the United Conservative Party leadership race on October 6.

by David Opinko

Lethbridge-East MLA named infrastructure minister & deputy premier

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