Cardston-Siksika MLA Joseph Schow is set to begin his second term in office as the minister of tourism and sport. (File photo: Joseph Schow)

By David Opinko

Cardston-Siksika’s Joseph Schow takes over tourism & sport ministry

Jun 16, 2023 | 12:51 PM

CARDSTON, AB – The MLA for Cardston-Siksika is ready to dive head-first into his second term in provincial politics.

Joseph Schow easily won re-election in the May 2023 Alberta provincial election, capturing just over 74 per cent of the votes in his riding for the United Conservative Party (UCP).

Schow said his first four years in office were “the greatest honour of my life,” and is excited to continue to represent his constituents.

Following his election victory, UCP Leader and Premier Danielle Smith assigned a new portfolio for Schow to take the reigns on; tourism and sport.

He is the tallest member of the Alberta legislature, standing at 6’9″ and has a history playing basketball at the college level.

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“I have a good understanding of the athletic culture in Alberta and what it’s like,” said Schow.

“With regards to tourism, I think Alberta has an amazing story to tell. We’re doing a really good job with it so far and I think there’s more work to do.”

Schow said he has yet to receive his mandate letter for Smith, which will outline what his key priorities as the minister of tourism and sport will entail.

He will also continue to work as the government house leader in the Alberta legislature, a role that he had since October 2022 when Smith first became premier.

Schow told LNN that it is a very important role within the government as he works with the premier, ministers, and MLAs to set the legislative agendas.

Between his two new appointments, he said his goal to make sure that the public feels represented and included.

“I’ve always said rural Alberta punches above its weight, and the reason why I ran is to make sure rural Alberta has a strong voice int he Alberta legislature. Over the last four years, I have dedicated my time to make sure that’s the case and that’s the plan going forward is to continue to make sure that Cardston-Siksika and rural Alberta gets that representation.”

Elsewhere in southern Alberta, Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf was named the minister of affordability and utilities, as well as the vice-chair of the treasury board.

READ MORE: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith shuffles familiar faces into new cabinet roles

READ MORE: Neudorf ready to kick off second term, now Minister of Affordability & Utilities

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