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5mo ago

Alberta Speaker Nathan Cooper to Resign, Assume Washington Envoy Role

Cooper’s resignation as Speaker is set for Monday, with a new Speaker election Tuesday, as he prepares to represent Alberta in U.S. trade negotiations starting in June.

United Conservative Party MLA Nathan Cooper speaks after being voted in as Alberta's speaker of the house in Edmonton on May 21, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
Nathan Cooper on the job as Speaker of the Alberta Assembly on International Francophonie Day last March.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith chats with Speaker of the House Nathan Cooper before the 2023 budget.
Speaker Nathan Cooper provides details on the official opening of Phase 1 of the legislature grounds’ fountain reconstruction during a press conference in Edmonton, Wednesday June 26, 2024.

Overview

  • Nathan Cooper, Alberta’s Speaker since 2019, will step down to become the province’s representative to the United States.
  • Premier Danielle Smith announced the appointment, citing heightened trade tensions and tariff threats from the Trump administration.
  • Cooper will officially resign as Speaker on Monday, with MLAs electing his successor the following day.
  • His departure creates a vacancy in the rural riding of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, triggering a by-election in the coming months.
  • Cooper, who has no cabinet or international affairs experience, described his tenure as Speaker as preparation for his new diplomatic role.