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The New Government WHO IS WHO AND HOW WILL THEY APPROACH GOVERNING?

This morning was sworn in as Demetrius Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced the new of Alberta along with a Education cabinet made up of 20 ministers and three , Minister of Culture, associate ministers. The cabinet includes Multiculturalism and Status of Women farmers, teachers, tradespeople, small , Minister of Labour and business owners, lawyers, business Immigration executives, musicians, oil and gas experts, , Minister of Municipal Affairs public servants and a range of other , Minister of Infrastructure professional backgrounds. , Minister of Service Alberta , Associate Minister for Red The new cabinet members are: Tape Reduction , Solicitor General and , Associate Minister of Natural Gas Minister of Justice , Associate Minister of Mental , Minister of Health Health and Addictions Rick McIver, Minister of Transportation , Minister of Economic Other key appointments include: Development, Trade and Tourism , Parliamentary Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education Secretary of Immigration , Minister of Finance , House Leader Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Doug Schweitzer, Deputy House Leader Parks Ric McIver, Deputy House Leader Devin Dresden, Minister of Agriculture and , Deputy House Leader Forestry Mike Ellis, Whip Sonya Savage, Minister of Energy , Deputy Whip , Minister of Community and Social Services Following the swearing-in of the new UCP , Minister of Seniors and cabinet, the Government of Alberta also Housing announced the corresponding appointments , Minister of Children's of new Deputy Ministers and Cabinet senior Services officials to support the incoming band of Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations Ministers.

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The full release, including biographies, can be Bev Yee, Environment and Parks, Deputy found here. Minister Lorna Rosen, Health, Deputy Minister Their names, and corresponding roles, are Donavon Young, Indigenous Relations, Deputy below: Minister Shannon Flint, Infrastructure, Deputy Ray Gilmour, Council, Deputy Minister Minister and Secretary to Cabinet Philip Bryden, Justice and Solicitor General, Coleen Volk, Executive Council, Associate Deputy Minister Deputy Minister and Deputy Minister, Dennis Cooley, Justice and Solicitor General, Operations and Intergovernmental Relations Associate Deputy Minister Mark Cameron, Executive Council-Policy Shawn McLeod, Labour and Immigration, Coordination Office, Deputy Minister Deputy Minister Chris McPherson, Executive Council Deputy Meryl Whittaker, Municipal Affairs, Deputy Clerk and Deputy Secretary to Cabinet Minister Rod Skura, Advanced Education, Deputy Tim Grant, Public Service Commission, Minister Deputy Minister and Public Service Andre Corbould, Agriculture and Forestry, Commissioner Deputy Minister Susan Taylor, Seniors and Housing, Deputy Darlene Bouwsema, Children’s Services, Minister Deputy Minister Cynthia Farmer, Service Alberta, Deputy Corey Hogan, Communications and Public Minister Engagement, Managing Director Andre Tremblay, Transportation, Deputy Shannon Marchand, Community and Social Minister Services, Deputy Minister Athana Mentzelopoulos, Treasury Board Lora Pillipow, Culture, Multiculturalism and and Finance, Deputy Minister Status of Women, Deputy Minister Jason Krips, Economic Development, Trade and Tourism, Deputy Minister Curtis Clarke, Education, Deputy Minister Grant Sprague, Energy, Deputy Minister David James, Natural Gas, Associate Deputy Minister

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How will they govern?

Make no mistake, Jason Kenney is in charge. By instinct and through on-the-job training received under former Prime Minister , Premier Kenney will set the general direction for all ministries, but for some ministries he will go beyond that. He has appointed his most skilled, experienced and/or accomplished MLAs to run the key files, but they will all have Jason Kenney looking over their shoulders. As the government’s chief spokesperson, Premier Kenney must defend decisions the government makes. He will work closely with senior ministers to ensure the tactical decisions are defensible and move him closer to his goal of jumpstarting the Alberta economy.

Credit: Teri Fikowski CTV News

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Style

It would be a mistake to assume that Premier Kenney will continue to be the political pugilist that we saw in the campaign. His history and recent statements indicate he is more likely to try diplomacy and persuasion to move along files like pipelines, equalization and carbon-pricing. These things are somewhat or completely beyond his direct control. He’ll need the more nuanced approach for domestic files such as healthcare and education, the two biggest and most contentious. Making progress on all files will require negotiation and the ability to sense when a carrot is more effective than a stick.

Early and Easy Wins

Getting people back to work, especially in the oil and gas sector, is a major priority for this government. To do that, companies need the confidence to start spending and investing again. Reducing the corporate tax rate will help profitable companies and will encourage new investment, but some of the lowest hanging fruit lies in reducing unnecessary regulations. Regulations can be changed quickly, without having to introduce new legislation.

The Premier has asked Grant Hunter to be the Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction. We expect he will be under significant pressure to produce results quickly and to send a signal to investors that “open for business” is more than just a slogan.

Attracting Investment

Premier Kenney and his senior ministers are also expected to spend considerable time wooing investors, in Alberta, across and around the world. The size of his victory and his two-year track-record of talking up oil and gas will only help improve business confidence. Much of his outreach to date has been to small and medium sized oil and gas firms. He has also had discussions with large producers, but the biggest firms have fallen from favour because of their support for the previous government’s carbon tax. That said, the biggest companies drive much of Alberta’s economy. The new government will continue discussions with them, but it will take time to thaw the frosty relationships. New investments in Alberta will go a long way to making things better.

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The Merit System

One of the reasons that the previous Progressive Conservative government came under criticism was because it was viewed as being too clubby. The perception was that business, political staff, MLAs and ministers sat in backrooms and cut deals based as much on favours and friendships as on the merits of a proposal. That will not be the of the new government. Premier Kenney’s entire history is one of working with whomever brings solutions to the table while brushing off bad ideas or those who come seeking favours. Proposals need to be well researched and reasoned to get a hearing with the new premier, whether coming from stakeholders, or cabinet and caucus. Premier Kenney has high standards for himself and his team. We won’t be surprised therefore, if he quickly moves ministers and staff, replacing those who are not making progress with up and comers.

The Pace of Change

We expect that the pace will be set early. There will be no significant lull now that a cabinet is in place. Premier Kenney will expect his entire team to work hard through the spring and summer and into the fall legislative session. He will want early deliverables and significant improvement in outcomes for every ministry. His record as a federal minister and as the UCP pleader to date suggests he will work to make progress on files as quickly and efficiently as possible. Whether he can succeed at that pace in an entirely new arena remains to be seen.

The UCP Platform Commitments

Premier Kenney and the UCP set out an ambitious set of campaign and platform commitments during the March 19 to April 16 writ-period. The Premier and his team of Ministers will have to work diligently to deliver on these commitments for Albertans if they are to maintain their high- level of support over the coming months and years. Key commitments from the UCP platform are below.

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“Back to Work” Platform

• Bill 1: The Carbon Tax Repeal Act will scrap the NDP’s $1.4 billion tax on everything, create 6,000 jobs, and allow Alberta families and job creators to keep more of their own money.

• The Job Creation Tax Cut will lower the tax burden on employers from 12% to 8%, creating 55,000 jobs and growing our economy by $12.7 billion.

• Bill 2: The Open for Business Act will give Alberta’s workers more freedom, restore their right to a secret ballot, and bring balance back to Alberta’s labour to get job creators investing in Alberta again.

• The Red Tape Reduction Action Plan will cut red tape by one-third to reduce costs and speed up approvals, freeing job creators to get more Albertans back to work.

• The Farm Freedom and Safety Act will repeal and replace Bill 6. We will listen to farmers, ranchers, and agriculture workers that the NDP ignored to let our farmers grow again.

• Building Public Infrastructure to support services like health care and education.

• A Plan to Re-energize Oil and Gas that will speed up approvals, cut red tape, unblock natural gas shipments, and support LNG exports.

• Implementing the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) Fund to achieve real greenhouse gas emission reductions while encouraging investment across industries.

• A Plan for Lower Power Prices that ensures Alberta’s electricity market is affordable for consumers and job creators and produces market-driven green energy.

• Job Creation in Alberta’s Tourism sector will come from a stable and predictable funding formula for Travel Alberta that links its funding and performance to tourism industry outcomes as a whole.

• Standing up for Forestry Jobs will ensure that this sustainable sector can thrive, rather than struggle under proposed federal and provincial restrictions.

• The Immigration Plan will attract newcomers who will start business, invest, and create job.

• A Smarter Approach to Innovation will make Alberta a magnet for investment in new technologies including artificial intelligence, health sciences, geothermal energy, and information technology.

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“Making Life Better” Platform

• A Patient-Centred Health Care System that will use innovative reforms within the Canada Health Act while maintaining or increasing health care funding to get Albertans the high-quality care they deserve.

• Education will be strengthened by working with parents, teachers, principals, and trustees to protect school choice, improve accountability, and deliver the best possible outcomes for our children.

• Post-Secondary Education will be supported as critical both to Alberta’s future economy and to a vibrant Albert.

• Skills for Jobs will promote experiential and vocational learning from high school through post-secondary and into the workplace.

• The Justice system will become fairer, faster, and more effective in protecting the safety of every Albertan.

• We will Protect Vulnerable Albertans with legislation and increased funding for Alberta’s specialized enforcement agencies that combat domestic violence, stalkers, child exploitation and abuse, gang activity, and drug trafficking.

• Partnering with Non-Profits, Charities, and Volunteers will help create a brighter future for Albertans who need a hand up by assisting the groups best positioned to help Albertans in their communities.

• We will Make Life Better for Seniors and their families by using the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative (ASLI) to build the long-term care beds we need, encouraging more home care options, and maintaining existing seniors’ benefits.

• A Heroes Fund and Veterans Scholarships will honour the noble service of our military and first responders with improved fatality benefits, PTSD coverage, and scholarships.

• An Inclusive Disability Agenda will support Albertans with disabilities to live full lives with dignity and equal opportunities.

• Municipalities will get more autonomy and predictability while we ensure transparency for voters,

• More Affordable Housing will be built in Alberta for those who need it, including seniors in need of specialized housing.

• Arts and Culture will grow steadily through facilitated collaboration with philanthropists and private businesses.

• Alberta’s Indigenous Peoples will be partnered with to secure adequate supports and pursue opportunity.

• Our Environment will be protected by a common-sense conservation plan which recognizes that that recreation, economic use, and conservation can and should support each other.

• Albertans’ Property Rights will be thoroughly protected by a new Alberta Property Rights Protection Act and a review of all existing legislation.

• Democratic Reforms will give more power to Albertans to hold the provincial government accountable.

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“Standing Up for Alberta” Platform

• Immediately file a constitutional challenge to strike down ’s “No More Pipelines” Bill C-69 (should it become law) as a violation of Section 92 of the Constitution Act, which gives Alberta clear, exclusive jurisdiction over the production of oil and gas.

• Use the “Turn off the Taps” legislation should provinces, including British Columbia, continue to obstruct the construction of pipeline.

• Build an interprovincial coalition of provinces which support jobs, pipelines, and our , making it a top issue in federal- provincial relations.

• Hold a referendum on removing equalization from the Constitution Act on October 18, 2021 if substantial progress is not made on construction of a coastal pipeline, and if Trudeau’s Bill C-69 is not repealed.

• Establish an ‘Energy War Room’ to respond in real time to the lies and myths told about Alberta’s energy industry through paid, earned, and social media. The Energy War Room will be a part of the Communications and Public Engagement office, with a $30 million budget ($20 million from carbon charges on large emitters and $10 million re-profiled from the existing government advertising budget).

• Use the persuasive power of the Premier’s “bully pulpit” to tell the truth in both official languages across Canada and around the world about how Albertans produce energy with the world’s highest environmental, human rights, and labour standards.

• Create a $10 million litigation fund to support pro-development First Nations in defending their right to be consulted on major energy project.

• Ask the energy industry to significantly increase its advocacy efforts.

• Seek out and support Alberta energy companies that are willing to challenge the campaign of defamation by anti- Alberta special interests, similar to Resolute Forest Products’ defamation suit against Greenpeace for $300 million in damage.

• When multinationals like HSBC boycott Alberta products, the Government of Alberta will boycott them. We will work with like-minded allies to challenge the campaign seeking to have institutional investors boycott Alberta oil. The investment community needs to be made aware that foreign oil regimes have horrible records when it comes to the environment, human rights, labour, the treatment of women, and democratic norms.

• Challenge the charitable status of groups that are funneling foreign money into anti-Alberta campaign.

• End any and all provincial government funding for groups involved in the “Tar Sands” campaign.

• Launch a public inquiry under the Inquiries Act into the foreign sources of funds behind the anti-Alberta energy campaign. The inquiry will have the power to compel witness testimony, and have a $2.5 million budget. The inquiry may follow up on investigations done in other jurisdictions that have confirmed foreign government meddling to prevent oil and gas development in North America.

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• Approve a law banning foreign money from interfering in Alberta politics, making it illegal for foreign entities to finance third party advertisers (also known as political action committees.

• Actively support and seek adoption of Senator Linda Frum’s Bill S-239, which would ban foreign money in federal Canadian politics.

• Fire Ed Whittingham from his position at the .

• Use the prospect of a referendum on equalization as leverage for federal action to complete a coastal pipeline and to demand reforms to the current unfair formula.

• Press Ottawa to increase the limit of the Fiscal Stabilization Fund to protect Alberta from major fiscal shocks.

• Press Ottawa to convert the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) and Canada Social Transfer (CST) to tax points for the provinces, which would give Alberta more control over how revenue is raised and spent in these areas of provincial jurisdiction.

• End Alberta’s agreement to increase the Canada Pension Plan (CPP)payroll tax by $1,624 per family.

• Demand reforms to Canada’s Employment Insurance program so that Albertans who lose their jobs are not applied to Alberta home buyers.

• Challenge the federal government’s unfair one-size-fits-all approach to mortgages by demanding the Canada Mortgage and Home Corporation (CMHC) stress tests are removed from Alberta residents.

• Seek to form federal and provincial agreement on resource corridors, which are pre-approved land corridors to expedite major resource project approvals; a key part of these corridors would be facilitating aboriginal co- ownership or financial participation, where relevant.

• Partner with , , as a relentless champion of unfettered free trade, labour mobility, and regulatory harmonization by pressing the federal government to adopt a Charter of Economic Rights which would, “clarify the vital rights of Canadians to sell their goods and services and exercise their trades and professions in every part of Canada”.

• End Alberta’s agreement with Parole Board of Canada and pass legislation to create an Alberta Parole Board.

• Maintain operating spending at current levels as part of a realistic plan to balance the budget by 2022/23 without compromising core service.

• Move Alberta closer to the provincial average in program spending per capita over four years as other provinces raise their spending to Alberta levels.

• Formalize an annual spending review process within the budget and fiscal planning process to eliminate waste, duplication, and non-essential spending and create the fiscal space to fund key government priorities.

• Appoint an independent Blue-Ribbon Panel of experts to conduct a “deep-dive” into Alberta’s fiscal situation, recommend a path to balance and propose a realistic plan to start paying down the debt.

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Who’s Who?

The 23-person Executive Council, including Premier Kenney, are presented below.

Cabinet

Premier of Alberta, President of Executive Council, Minister of Intergovernmental Relations

Hon. Jason Kenney, P.C.

Jason Kenney was born in Oakville, Ontario to parents Lynne and Robert. At the age of 8, Kenney moved with his family to Wilcox, Saskatchewan where his father was named president of Notre Dame College. Upon graduating from Notre Dame College in Wilcox, Kenney went on to study philosophy at the University of San Francisco. In his early twenties, he returned to Alberta where his focus turned to politics.

Kenney began his career as President of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation in the early 90s. At the age of 29, he was elected to the House of Commons and was subsequently re-elected five times, most recently with 76% of the vote. In Ottawa, Kenney joined the opposition bench serving as Finance Critic and Deputy House Leader. Prime Minister Harper asked him to serve as his Parliamentary Secretary, and shortly after that, as Secretary of State for Multiculturalism. From 2013 to 2015 Kenney served as Minister of Employment and Social Development and, in February 2015, he was appointed Minister of National Defence.

On October 28, 2017, Kenney won the leadership of the United Conservative Party and less than two months later, on December 14, 2017, he was elected to represent the people of - Lougheed and became Leader of the Official Opposition.

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Minister of Justice & Solicitor General

Hon. Doug Schweitzer

Prior to being elected, Doug Schweitzer was a partner at a top Canadian law firm where he was involved in bankruptcy and restructuring law, working with companies to navigate the economic downturn and recession. A long-time campaigner in Alberta political circles, Schweitzer sought the UCP leadership in 2017 on a platform of strong economic policy combined with compassionate policy on social issues. He was elected as MLA for Calgary-Elbow on April 16, 2019.

Minister of Health

Hon. Tyler Shandro

Tyler Shandro holds a law degree from the University of Calgary and has worked with multiple law firms for municipalities and developers regarding planning and development issues and agreements. He was Commissioner of the Calgary Police Commission for 3 years. Immediately after Kenney won the PC Party leadership in spring 2017, he appointed Shandro to quarterback unity negotiations with the . He was elected as the MLA for Calgary-Acadia on April 16, 2019.

Minister of Transportation

Hon. Ric McIver

Ric McIver is the MLA for Calgary-Hays and was first elected to the legislature in 2012. During his time as MLA, McIver has served as Minister of Infrastructure, Transportation, and Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour. He was also a member of Treasury Board and the government Operations Committee. Upon the resignation of former Premier after the 2015 election, McIver served as interim leader of the PC Party until Kenney took the helm in spring 2017. Before becoming an MLA, Ric was a three term Calgary city councilor. During that time, he served on the boards of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, the Calgary Police Commission and the Metropolitan Calgary Foundation. He also served as chair of the Calgary Housing Company.

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As the only United Conservative MLA with experience in cabinet other than Kenney, McIver will be especially counted by the new government to provide veteran support.

Minister of Education

Hon. Adriana LaGrange

Adriana LaGrange’s career as a Rehabilitative Practitioner brought her to Red Deer in the early 1980's. Prior to being elected, LaGrange and her husband ran and operated a family farm and were actively involved in a large hog partnership. LaGrange has been elected in four Red Deer municipal elections as a Trustee of the Red Deer Catholic Regional School Division and has served as the Central Alberta Coordinator and Instructor for the Classroom Agricultural Program in Red Deer. She has also been elected provincially as the President of the Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association and federally as Vice President of Canadian Catholic School Trustees' Association.

Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism

Hon. Tanya Fir

Tanya Fir holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a concentration in Management of Organizations and Human Resources from the University of Calgary. A Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), Fir worked as a Human Resources Advisor in Alberta’s Oil and Gas industry for 19 years until her election as a MLA for Calgary-Peigan on April 16, 2019.

President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

Hon. Travis Toews

Travis Toews has 12 years of experience in public accounting and maintains CPA and CMA accounting designations. Prior to being elected as MLA for -Wapiti on April 16, 2019, Toews managed a corporate cattle ranching operation and an oilfield environmental company. Toews has also served as President of the Canadian Cattlemen’s

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Association from 2010 to 2012. Toews’ experience in Alberta’s two largest industry sectors (agriculture and energy) will be counted on as the new government attempts to deliver on significant corporate tax and fiscal policy reform.

Minister of Environment and Parks

Hon. Jason Nixon

Jason Nixon was first elected to the on May 5, 2015, representing the constituency of Rimbey––Sundre and re-elected on April 16, 2019 with the highest vote total and vote share in the province. Nixon served on the negotiation team that created a framework for unity between the Wildrose Party and the Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta that established the United Conservative Party. Immediately following the UCP’s first leadership race, Nixon served as the Leader of the Official Opposition until leader Jason Kenney was able to win a seat in the Legislature. Nixon has also served as Chief Opposition Whip and Official . Prior to politics, Nixon spent decades in the non-profit sector.

Along with his ministerial duties, Nixon will quarterback Kenney’s legislative agenda as Government House Leader.

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

Hon.

Devin Dreeshen is a fifth-generation local farm owner and operator. First elected in a byelection in July 2018, Dreeshen was immediately named opposition trade critic. He was re-elected as the MLA for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake on April 16, 2019. Dreeshen’s experience in the agriculture sector will be important as he’s tasked with reforming the province’s farm safety legislation previousy implemented with much contention by the former NDP government. Kenney confirmed a number of times throughout the campaign that Bill 3 of his government would be the Farm Freedom and Safety Act, which Dreeshen will be expected to take charge of selling to Alberta’s agriculture community.

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Minister of Energy

Hon. Sonya Savage

Sonya Savage spent much of her career as an executive in Alberta’s energy industry. She holds a Master's degree in Environmental Law prior to her election as MLA for Calgary-North West on April 16, 2019, Savage served as Senior Director of Policy with the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association. She is incredibly well-versed in the hot button policy files she is now expected to navigate, beginning with the federal government’s proposed legislation to reform the energy infrastructure approval process, Bill C-69.

Minister of Community and Social Services

Hon. Rajan Sawhney

Rajan Sawhney was born and raised in North East Calgary. She holds an undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of Calgary. Prior to her election to legislature on April 16, 2019, Sawhney spent her career in the energy sector and has previously owned a small oil and gas business in Calgary. Her experience in leadership roles with a number of non-profit organizations makes her an interesting fit for the role of Minister of Community and Social Services.

Minister of Seniors and Housing

Hon. Josephine Pon

Josephine Pon has worked in the mortgage insurance, international trade and the assisted housing departments of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. She then went on to become a Regional Manager in the financial industry, overseeing international multicultural banking activities. Prior to being elected, Pon was the Vice President of the Taste of Asia restaurant group. Her volunteer work includes working on the Mayor’s Task Force to Eliminate Poverty and serving as the Chair of Immigrant Services Calgary.

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Minister of Indigenous Relations

Hon. Richard Wilson

Richard Wilson is a local farmer and business owner in Wetaskiwin. Prior to being elected, Wilson served as the Chairman of Crossroads Regional Health Authority, as School Board Trustee with Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools and most recently as County Councilor with the County of Wetaskiwin for 15 years.

Minister of Advanced Education

Hon.

Demetrios Nicolaides is a born and raised Calgarian, completing his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Calgary. He also holds a Master’s in Conflict Studies and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Cyprus. Nicolaides has worked in communication consulting, helping to coach senior leaders at a number of major energy companies.

Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women

Hon. Leela Aheer

Leela Aheer was first elected to the Legislature in 2015 as MLA for Chestermere-Rockyview and was re-elected on April 16, 2019 to the newly drawn riding of Chestermere-Strathmore. Upon taking her seat with the Official Opposition, Leela was tasked with critic roles in energy and education. Upon his election as leader of the UCP in the fall of 2017, Jason Kenney appointed Aheer as the party's Deputy Leader and opposition critic for Status of Women. Prior to entering politics, Aheer earned a degree in Music from the University of Manitoba. Aheer is multilingual and can speak 4 languages. She has experience in entrepreneurship and has owned and operated a number of small business.

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Minister of Labour and Immigration

Hon. Jason Copping

Prior to being elected, Jason Copping worked in Calgary-Varsity as a Management Consultant and Labour Mediator and Arbitrator. Jason also taught Business Negotiations, Human Resource Management, Labour Relations and Labour & Employment Law for the business schools at the University of Calgary and University of Lethbridge. Prior to these roles, Copping worked for nearly 20 years at Canadian Pacific Railway in Human Resources & Labour Relations, Marketing & Sales and Corporate Affairs, including Government Relations. Prior to his election as MLA for Calgary-Varsity, Copping was a member of the Alberta Labour Relations Board and Co-Chair of the Canadian Industrial Relations Association - Calgary Chapter. Copping is also a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Alberta.

Minister of Municipal Affairs

Hon. Kaycee Madu

Prior to his election, Madu and his wife managed a small law firm in . Madu worked with Jason Kenney during the two leadership campaigns and was involved in organizing many constituencies for the PC’s delegate selection meetings, PCs and Wildrose unity vote and UCP leadership vote. Madu has been a constituency association President and has sat on the boards of other UCP constituency associations, including the Edmonton-Southwest Constituency Association where he lives.

Minister of Infrastructure

Hon. Prasad Panda

Prasad Panda is a professional engineer who has worked in the oil and gas industry around the globe and spent more than 10 years with Suncor as a Senior Project Manager. He previously served as the MLA for Calgary- Foothills, acting as energy critic. Panda was elected in 2015 to represent the Wildrose Party, and in 2019 to represent the UCP in Calgary-Edgemont.

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Minister of Children’s Services

Hon. Rebecca Schulz

Schulz is a communications professional with a Masters degree from John Hopkins University. She has experience in sectors ranging from energy to education and spent a number of years in government working for former Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall’s office. Most recently, Schulz spent more than 3 years at the University of Calgary where she worked in communications. She was elected as the MLA for Calgary-Shaw in April.

Minister of Service Alberta

Hon. Nate Glubish

Glubish holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan. Prior to being elected, Glubish worked for Vancouver- based Yaletown Partners, where he oversaw investments into Alberta- based technology companies. As Minister for Service Alberta, Glubish will face will oversee the implementation of an ambitious UCP agenda on strengthening consumer protections and accountability under the Consumer Protections Act. Glubish was elected as the MLA for Edmonton Strathcona-Sherwood Park in April.

Associate Minister of Natural Gas

Hon. Dale Nally

Dale Nally holds a Masters degree in education and has decades of experience in management with leading business units. Prior to his election, Nally served as the co-chair for Diversity Edmonton, a volunteer organization that works with business to promote the hiring of people with disabilities. Nally was elected as the MLA for Morinville-St. Albert in April.

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Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

Hon. Jason Luan

Jason Luan previously served in the Alberta Legislature as a Progressive Conservative MLA for Calgary-Hawkwood from 2012-2015. Luan holds a Masters degree in social work from the University of Calgary and prior to entering into politics served as a social worker for seven years. Luan went on to hold a number of roles (Social Planner, Senior Counselor, Manager, Community Lead) with the City of Calgary. In 2012, Jason was the recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Luan was elected as the MLA for Calgary-Foothills in April.

Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction

Hon. Grant Hunter

Hunter has a Masters in Business Administration and is a small business operator. Hunter served on the Highwood Reform Party CA Board of Directors, Anasazi Canada Board of Directors, and Cardston Lions Club. He was elected as MLA for Cardston Taber Warner in May 2015. He has served on Public Accounts Committee, Resource Stewardship, and as the Deputy Caucus Whip. Hunter was re-elected as MLA for Taber-Warner.