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

“Affordability and utilities are one of the top two issues in peoples’ minds right now, so it’s a very active file,” said Neudorf. “There’s definitely a level of complexity to it, and I think it’s very meaningful if we can make some positive corrections and changes that help people in every walk of life, right across the board.

“I think that’s something I look forward to being able to help with and it’ll be very exciting if we can help to achieve that,” Neudorf adds.

After Smith was first sworn in as UCP Leader and Premier in fall 2022, Neudorf was appointed as the Minister of Infrastructure and one of two Deputy Premiers.

At the time, Neudorf told LNN that the infrastructure ministry was the ideal place for him because of his extensive 25-year background in commercial construction.

Although he does not have the same level of prior experience in affordability or utilities, Neudorf said he believes he will adapt quickly.

“I have lots of great people, both in the department, as well as just relationships with quite a number of people here in Lethbridge who do have some significant experience, particularly with the electricity portion of that,” said Neudorf.

He adds, “I’m just really digging into the file right now, learning as much as I can, and just delving into peoples’ experiences across quite a wide spectrum of experience to help inform me as I work for the department to make changes.”

Heading into his second term as an MLA, Neudorf has also been promoted from being a member of the Treasury Board to its Vice-Chair.

“The Treasury Board is a significant board within the government. It has a lot of decision-making authority in terms of fiscal matters and, definitely, engagement with cabinet on various issues,” said Neudorf. “It is a very key board for making sure that we achieve some of our platform commitments in terms of affordability, but overall, budget balancing and budget decisions.”

Although Neudorf did gain two new positions following his re-election win, he lost his job as one of two deputy premiers.

He explains that there was a “north-south component” to the deputy premiers last fall, with Neudorf representing southern Alberta from Lethbridge while Kaycee Madu was based in Edmonton. Neudorf said it was great to hold such a prominent post, even if it was for less than one year.

“As with so many things in government, they’re not there forever, you have to make something while you have it,” said Neudorf. “I was thrilled to hold that title for a short period of time and I think I made a significant difference to a lot of files.”

For the four-year term beginning in 2023, Mike Ellis from Calgary-West has been named Alberta’s sole deputy premier.

“I think this time around, we saw a slight shift away from [the north-south component] and a recognition of how important Calgary is to our province and our economy,” said Neudorf.

Overall, Neudorf said he was impressed by many of the “wise” decisions Danielle Smith made in naming her new cabinet.

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by David Opinko

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

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