🗞️ Premier’s address, Cabinet changes and more

Premier Smith delivered an important Address to the Province on Thursday outlining plans for the October 19 referendum. This must-see address highlights how our government is actively fighting federal overreach to restore provincial autonomy and secure long-term prosperity. You can watch her remarks here or read them here.

Premier Smith joined host Bruce McAllister on the Alberta Update to discuss her recent Address to the Province and the newly added October 19 referendum question. We encourage you to watch the full interview as the Premier goes into further detail on her address, the decisions made, and why. Watch here.

Premier Smith announced updates to our team this week. Jason Nixon takes over Finance, RJ Sigurdson moves to Affordability and Utilities, and Tara Sawyer leads Agriculture and Irrigation. Adriana LaGrange, Nathan Neudorf, and Justin Wright step into new health and social services roles, while Brandon Lunty becomes Chief Government Whip and Scott Cyr is appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Transportation. The Premier also thanked departing ministers Nate Horner and Matt Jones, who are not seeking re-election next year. Read more.

Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen announced that Alberta will replace all 22 border signs that are over 40 years old. The updated signs will feature the provincial coat of arms and a wild rose, with installation scheduled for this summer and fall. Additionally, the new Strong and Free licence plates will start rolling out this September. Albertans will have the option of keeping their existing plate, getting a new one on their registration renewal date at no extra cost, or paying a voluntary fee of $28 to get a new one when they launch in September. Read more.

Premier Smith joined Bloomberg to promote Alberta as a reliable global energy supplier, explaining how rising instability in the Middle East has increased international demand for our resources. She outlined the pathway for private sector investment in a new west coast pipeline and how the recent agreement with Ottawa saves industry billions of dollars. Watch here.

Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish announced a major investment in a new University of Alberta-led program to boost Canada’s national defence technology. The DEFENDS program will connect researchers and businesses to build cutting-edge facilities for semiconductor processing and advanced manufacturing, helping Alberta become a hub for national defence. This multi-year initiative is projected to support over 8,000 jobs and generate $7 billion in economic growth over the next decade. Read more.

Alberta is leading the nation. Over 100,000 new jobs. The highest wages in the country. Billions in investment flowing in from every direction. Under Danielle Smith’s strong leadership, our government is getting the job done. Watch our new ad here.

Everything we’re fighting for in Alberta is only possible because of you. When you give, even just $5, you put fuel in the tank for our team to keep standing up for Alberta. We can’t do it without you. Please give today.