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Alberta Premier Restructures Health Ministry and Shuffles Cabinet

Danielle Smith creates two new health portfolios, appoints new ministers, and reassigns key roles to address governance challenges and public scrutiny.

Premier Danielle Smith at a press conference Friday ahead of the announcement of new cabinet appointments.
Premier Danielle Smith  speaks in Calgary on Friday, May 16, 2025.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith listens to speakers after announcing the "New North America Initiative", led by the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy in Calgary, Alta., Friday, May 16, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Overview

  • Premier Danielle Smith announced a major cabinet overhaul, including the creation of two specialized health portfolios: primary and preventative health services, and hospital and surgical health services.
  • Adriana LaGrange, previously health minister, has been appointed as minister of primary and preventative health services, while Matt Jones, former jobs minister, will oversee hospital and surgical health services.
  • Rick Wilson, formerly Indigenous relations minister, has been named minister of mental health and addiction, replacing Dan Williams, who now heads municipal affairs.
  • Rajan Sawhney has been appointed as the new minister of Indigenous relations, taking over from Rick Wilson.
  • The restructuring comes as investigations into alleged procurement irregularities and political interference within Alberta Health Services continue, with opposition parties pressing for a public inquiry.