Housing is not referenced in the titles of any of the portfolios that Alberta’s 24 newly named cabinet ministers will lead. In unveiling her executive council earlier today, Premier Danielle Smith pledged that the new government will focus on the economy, affordability, health care reform, crime and defending Alberta’s interests.
“These are not just our government’s priorities, they are Albertans’ priorities,” she maintained. “The next four years start today, and I can’t wait to get back to work with each of my cabinet colleagues.”
The cabinet includes 20 men and five women (including Smith), described as “a mix of experienced and new ministers who represent Alberta’s diversity.” As yet, no directions from Smith have been publicly released to outline Ministers’ expected tasks, but there are three portfolios that could presumably cover responsibility for housing.
Nathan Neudorf will serve as the Minister of Affordability and Utilities. He is the member of the legislative assembly (MLA) for Lethbridge East, first elected in 2019, and was Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure during the previous government term. He is a past president of the Lethbridge Construction Association, former board member of the Alberta Construction Association, Alberta Construction Safety Association and Worker’s Compensation Board, a red seal journeyman carpenter and a gold seal project manager.
Ric McIver has been appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs. He is the MLA for Calgary-Hays, first elected in 2012, and held four different cabinet posts in the previous government, including as Minister of Municipal Affairs. He is a former Calgary City Councillor and was chair of the Calgary Housing Company during that tenure.
Jason Nixon takes on the role of Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services after serving as Minister of Environment and Parks, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board in the previous government. He is the MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre, first elected in 2015. Prior to entering public life, he was an entrepreneur and the executive director of an addiction treatment facility.
