Notley pledges ‘chapter of stability’ in Alberta
12-member cabinet lean by design
EDMONTON — Premier Rachel Notley on Sunday pledged Alberta’s first New Democrat government will usher in a new chapter of stability as the province closes the book on nearly 44 years of Progressive Conservative rule.
Notley dropped the “designate” from her title after taking the oath of office from Alberta Chief Justice Catherine Fraser, who presided over the swearing-in of the new premier and her 11 members of cabinet.
“Today we open a new chapter in the story of Alberta,” Notley said in her speech following the ceremony, which was open to the public and held outdoors on the legislature steps.
“For all of us to share in the promise of our prosperity, we must do better,” she said. “That’s why Albertans have chosen a new government — a stable majority government that will put the right priorities first.”
In addition to being premier, Notley will also be the minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations.
Opposition leader Brian Jean congratulated Notley, saying he looks forward to working with her and her cabinet over the next four years.
“This begins with an agenda of reform to clean up government cronyism, strengthen democracy and improve accountability,” Jean said in a written statement.
Notley’s New Democrats swept to power in stunning fashion in the May 5 election, winning 54 seats and crushing the Progressive Conservative dynasty in the process.
Since then, the NDP caucus has dropped by one, after Notley suspended Calgary-Bow MLA Deborah Drever for a series of controversial and offensive social media posts that surfaced after the vote.
Drever will sit as an Independent.
The new premier touted the men and women who remain in her caucus as “accomplished leaders.”
“From this talented team, I have selected our new cabinet.
“Eleven dedicated and determined women and men who will focus firmly on solving the challenges ahead,” she said. “For the first time in many years, we have an efficient and lean cabinet to get down to work and deliver results.”
Notley’s new cabinet is small by recent Alberta standards, with 12 ministers including herself. It consists of six men and six women, and includes a new portfolio responsible for the status of women, led by Lethbridge-West MLA Shannon Phillips.
Speaking in the crowd after the swearing-in ceremony, Notley said it was important to have a minister responsible for the status of women to address gender gaps in the province.
The cabinet will hold its first meeting in Calgary on Wednesday and Thursday this week. The legislature is scheduled to reconvene on June 11 to elect a new Speaker, before returning on June 15 for a speech from the throne.
Thousands attended the swearing-in ceremony to witness the historic event, including many families. Hundreds waded into the fountain pool in front of the legislature and others took in the pomp, music and frozen treats on one of the warmest days of the spring so far.
After Notley and her cabinet were sworn in, the NDP caucus waded into the crowd of roughly 3,000 people to greet supporters while musicians entertained the crowd.