Choosing a new cabinet, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith elevated campaign backers, embraced leadership opponents, and parted ways with Jason Nixon, a senior aide to previous premier Jason Kenney.
Jason Copping, Tyler Shandro, Adriana LaGrange, and other important ministers will remain in their positions, according to Smith in a statement.
Travis Toews, the runner up to Smith in the UCP leadership race, returns to his old job as finance minister while former Wildrose leader and Smith UCP leadership rival Brian Jean takes on duties in a renamed department titled Jobs, Economy and Northern Development.
Kaycee Madu, who backed Smith in the leadership contest, will take over a new ministry called Skilled Trades and Professions and serve as one of two deputy premiers.
In order to lead a new ministry called Public Safety, Mike Ellis, another admirer of Smith, will resign from his position as associate minister of mental health and addictions.
Peter Guthrie, a supporter of Smith, has been named the new energy minister, while Todd Loewen, who lost to Smith in the leadership race but frequently adopted her policy positions, will run the newly created Forestry, Parks, and Tourism department.
Smith’s full cabinet: Cabinet members will be sworn in on Monday..
There are recognizable faces in key positions in the new government of the Alberta premier.
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