Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expected to announce cabinet shuffle

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is expected to announce changes to her cabinet in Calgary on Thursday, with several high-profile portfolios potentially changing hands.

Smith has not publicly confirmed which ministers may be moved, added, or removed from cabinet. According to previous public statements from the government, at least two major portfolios are vacant after Finance Minister Nate Horner and Hospitals Minister Matt Jones announced they will not seek re-election in 2027 and plan to step away from cabinet duties.

Speculation has centred on Social Services Minister Jason Nixon as a possible replacement for the finance portfolio. Smith did not confirm the reports when asked last week.

Nixon has also declined to comment on the speculation, saying publicly that he remains focused on his current responsibilities as minister.

Cabinet shuffles can significantly affect provincial policy direction, including oversight of health care spending, budget planning, and social programs across Alberta. Smith last made major changes to cabinet just over a year ago.