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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

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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.

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