ABP past vice-chair appointed as an Alta. deputy minister

Alberta Beef Producers’ Past Vice Chair, Jason Hale, is newly appointed Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation with the Government of Alberta.

“Jason Hale brings a wealth of experience as a cow/half operator, irrigation district board chair, and former MLA,” said Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, The Honourable Nate Horner. “Agriculture is playing a vital role attracting investment and creating jobs in rural

Alberta, I look forward to working with Jason on continuing this progress and supporting a more dynamic sector.”

“Jason was an incredible asset to ABP, most notably in his role as vice chair,” said Dr. Melanie Wowk, Chair, ABP. “His knowledge of government inner workings and his sound advice were key to guiding some difficult decisions at the executive level.”

Hale served as Vice Chair of ABP from March 2021 to October 2022.

In addition to his work with ABP, Hale was an elected Member for the Eastern Irrigation District. He also served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (April 2012 – May 2015), including work on three legislation committees and as the opposition critic for Energy.

Hale also sat on community boards such as the Advisory Committee for the Medicine Hat College and Crawling Valley Recreations Society.

As Deputy Minister, Hale will support Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation and oversee day-to-day operations of the Ministry.

Hale has submitted his resignation to ABP and will begin his new role as Deputy Minister, effective immediately.

“I want to thank Jason for his dedication to ABP and beef producers in Alberta,” said Brad Dubeau, General Manager of ABP. “He was an invaluable member of the executive and I wish him all the best in his new position as Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.”