Skip to Main content

17.82°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

May 21, 2026 4:41 PM - Connect Newsroom - Ramandeep Kaur with files from The Canadian Press

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announces cabinet shuffle amid referendum process

Share On

alberta-premier-danielle-smith-announces-cabinet-shuffle-amid-referendum-process

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks during a cabinet swearing-in ceremony in Edmonton on Thursday as new ministers take on revised portfolios. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a cabinet shuffle Thursday, with several senior ministers receiving new portfolios as the provincial government continues work related to a proposed referendum process in the province.

Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani administered the oath of office to the newly appointed ministers during a ceremony in Edmonton.

Jason Nixon was appointed Alberta’s new finance minister, while Adriana LaGrange returned to the hospitals and surgical health services portfolio. Tara Sawyer was named minister of agriculture and irrigation.

Nathan Neudorf was appointed minister of assisted living and social services, while RJ Sigurdson was named minister responsible for affordability and utilities.

The cabinet changes come as Alberta’s government continues discussions and legislative steps connected to a potential provincial referendum. Smith said the restructured cabinet would help strengthen Alberta and support the government’s priorities moving forward.

The provincial government has not yet released additional details on whether further mandate changes or committee restructuring will follow the cabinet appointments.

Latest news

CanadaJun 30, 2026

Canada to face Morocco in FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on July 4

Canada will face Morocco in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup after the North African side defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout on Monday to advance to the knockout stage. The match, played in Mexico, ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time before Morocco secured a 3-2 victory in the penalty shootout. The meeting marks the second consecutive World Cup in which Canada and Morocco have faced each other. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Morocco defeated Canada 2-1 in the final group-stage match before advancing to the semifinals in a historic run. Morocco, currently ranked sev

canada-makes-history-becomes-first-team-to-reach-fifa-world-cup-2026-round-of-16

CanadaJun 29, 2026

Canada Makes History, Becomes First Team to Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16

Canada's national football team has made history by becoming the first team to reach the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. In their final group-stage match on Sunday, Canada defeated a strong South African side 1-0 to book their place in the knockout stage.It is the first time that Canada has won a knockout match at the FIFA World Cup. The Canadian team will now face the winner of the Netherlands vs. Morocco match in the pre-quarterfinal on July 4.The thrilling contest at Los Angeles Stadium remained goalless after the regulation 90 minutes, with both teams unable to find the back of the

no-canada-u-s-tariff-deal-expected-before-midterm-elections-former-trade-negotiator

CanadaJun 29, 2026

No Canada-U.S. Tariff Deal Expected Before Midterm Elections: Former Trade Negotiator

Canada's former chief trade negotiator, Steve Verheul, says he does not expect Ottawa and Washington to reach a tariff agreement before the U.S. midterm elections. Verheul said that while there may be a brief opportunity this fall for the U.S. administration to secure a political win through a trade deal, it is more likely that negotiations will continue into next year. He added that, so far, no proposal close to a favourable deal for Canada has been put on the table. He also questioned whether trade agreements signed by other countries with the United States would remain durable over the long

alberta-court-gives-partial-win-to-separatist-referendum-organizers

AlbertaJun 29, 2026

Alberta court gives partial win to separatist referendum organizers

Leaders pushing for a referendum on Alberta's separation from Canada have received a partial victory in court. Alberta Court of Appeal Justice Alice Woolley ruled today that the process of counting and verifying signatures collected for the separatist petition can proceed. The petition seeks a provincewide vote on Alberta leaving Canada and is being led primarily by activist Mitch Sylvestre. Last month, a lower court judge dismissed the petition, ruling that the Alberta government had failed to meet its constitutional duty to consult with First Nations. Immediately after that decision, the gr

AlbertaJun 29, 2026

Local state of emergency declared in Kananaskis Country as flooding cuts off access

A local state of emergency has been declared in parts of Kananaskis Country west of Calgary as flooding has damaged road access and left some people unable to leave the area. Alberta Parks said emergency crews are supporting campground evacuations where necessary, monitoring infrastructure and maintaining road closures as conditions continue to change. Officials have asked people already in the area to remain where they are and urged visitors to postpone travel until conditions improve. Authorities have not said how many people are stranded or whether there have been any injuries related to th

Related News

Alberta court gives partial win to separatist referendum organizers

Alberta court gives partial win to separatist referendum organizers

Leaders pushing for a referendum on Alberta's separation from Canada have received a partial victory in court. Alberta Court of Appeal Justice Alice Woolley ruled today that the process of counting and verifying signatures collected for the separatist petition can proceed. The petition seeks a provincewide vote on Alberta leaving Canada and is being led primarily by activist Mitch Sylvestre. Last month, a lower court judge dismissed the petition, ruling that the Alberta government had failed to meet its constitutional duty to consult with First Nations. Immediately after that decision, the gr

Local state of emergency declared in Kananaskis Country as flooding cuts off access

Local state of emergency declared in Kananaskis Country as flooding cuts off access

A local state of emergency has been declared in parts of Kananaskis Country west of Calgary as flooding has damaged road access and left some people unable to leave the area. Alberta Parks said emergency crews are supporting campground evacuations where necessary, monitoring infrastructure and maintaining road closures as conditions continue to change. Officials have asked people already in the area to remain where they are and urged visitors to postpone travel until conditions improve. Authorities have not said how many people are stranded or whether there have been any injuries related to th

Premier Danielle Smith Welcomes Agreement Between Calgary and Stampede Event Operators

Premier Danielle Smith Welcomes Agreement Between Calgary and Stampede Event Operators

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has welcomed an agreement reached between the City of Calgary and Stampede event operators over noise restrictions during this year's Calgary Stampede. Under the new deal, the city has agreed to allow slightly higher sound levels than those originally proposed, although they will still remain below last year's limits. In return, event organizers have accepted a condition requiring live music to end by midnight each night. Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis played a key role in resolving the dispute. He brought together

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital