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By rdnewsNOW staff

Fall Session Begins Oct. 23, 2025

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi announces changes to Shadow Cabinet portfolios and leadership team

Oct 22, 2025 | 4:23 PM

Alberta’s New Democrat Leader Naheed Nenshi has announced changes to his shadow cabinet and leadership team in advance of the opening of the fall session of the Alberta legislature on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025.

Nenshi is to take his seat in the Legislature for the first time, and in preparing for the fall sitting, he announced updates to the caucus shadow cabinet and leadership team.

New shadow ministry roles include:

• Sharif Haji, Shadow Minister for Primary and Preventative Health Services
• Sarah Hoffman, Shadow Minister for Hospital and Surgical Health Facilities
• Kyle Kasawski, Shadow Minister for Affordability and Utilities
• Rob Miyashiro, Shadow Minister for Municipal Affairs

As well, the party says Gurtej Singh Brar will serve as Senior Advisor to the Leader for Small Business.

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“Our caucus is stronger than ever,” said Nenshi, in a press release. “We’re excited to go into the Legislature with a renewed focus and a team ready to fight for the priorities that actually matter to Albertans.”

The Alberta NDP says its first order of business is to oppose back-to-work legislation for teachers if it is brought forward.

“This UCP government needs to properly fund public education,” said Christina Gray, Alberta’s New Democrat House Leader, in a press release Wednesday. “A negotiated settlement is possible, the UCP just has to agree to invest in Alberta’s children. Students and teachers deserve a fair deal and real solutions, not political punishment for months of UCP stalling.”

“We will also be bringing forward proposals to increase the minimum wage, protect tips for service workers, add whistleblower protections, and more.”

With the recent release of Judge Wyant’s report on health care corruption allegations, Alberta’s New Democrats say they will also continue to call for a full public inquiry into the alleged CorruptCare scandal.

“Our caucus is demanding accountability and transparency on behalf of all Albertans,” said Gray. “Albertans deserve to know the extent to which this government played a role in one of the biggest corruption scandals this province has ever seen.”

Lastly, Alberta’s New Democrat Caucus says it will continue to unanimously reject any separatist rhetoric.

“Alberta’s New Democrats are proud Canadians,” said Nenshi. “Like Albertans from every corner of this province, we reject division and talks of separation. We will always stand united, and we will continue to reaffirm, in and out of the legislature, that we’re better together.”

The UCP government, meantime, says its priorities in the fall session will include health care, classrooms, and safer communities.

Alberta’s government expects to table at least 15 pieces of legislation, including:

• Regulated Professions Neutrality Act
• Health Statutes Amendment Act
• Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act
• Utilities Statutes Amendment Act
• Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act
• Water Amendment Act
• Justice Statutes Amendment Act
• Financial Statutes Amendment Act