Highwood MLA RJ Sigurdson has been named to the cabinet in Danielle Smith’s new-look UCP government.
Sigurdson was sworn in as minister of agriculture and irrigation on June 9 during a ceremony in Edmonton that saw Premier Smith unveil her cabinet picks ahead of the first legislative session of the new government.
In a phone call with the Western Wheel on June 12, Sigurdson said the opportunity to serve as ag minister is a huge honour.
“Especially considering agriculture is Alberta's second largest industry and how important it is to everyone,” he said.
Since being appointed to the role Friday, Sigurdson said he has been getting up to speed with the department.
“This is my first day to be able to meet with my department and staff, who are currently bringing me up to speed on every issue in the province,” he said, including dry conditions currently being felt in much of Alberta that he said are a concern.
Sigurdson grew up working on his family’s 40-acre farm near Cochrane and spent his high school years doing work on neighbouring farms in the area.
“We're looking at an advancing industry,” he said. “A lot of new technologies, and a lot of things that are happening.”
He called it a great opportunity to work with the industry on food stability.
“Alberta is a huge producer for the entire globe,” he said.
Sigurdson was elected to a second term in the riding in last month's provincial election, garnering 69 per cent of the popular vote in the Highwood riding.
He was not a member of cabinet during his first term but was appointed parliamentary secretary for EMS reform in October 2022.
In that role, he worked with the minister of health on reforming Alberta’s emergency medical system and co-chaired the Province’s EMS advisory committee which presented over 50 recommendations to improve EMS delivery.
“I think the Premier had seen my ability to be able to come in and take difficult files and get results, and I look forward to applying that to the agricultural industry right now," he said.
MLA Nate Horner, the previous minister of agriculture, is moving into a new role as finance minister.
Twenty-five MLAs will serve as members of cabinet, down from 27 in the previous cabinet, and the cabinet includes a mix of experienced and new ministers.
Former MLA and senior government official Jason Hale remains on as the deputy minister of the agriculture and irrigation portfolio, a position he's held since October.
Other members selected for roles in cabinet include Mickey Amery (Calgary-Cross) as minister of justice, Adriana LaGrange (Red Deer-North) as minister of health, Demetrios Nicolaides (Calgary-Bow) as minister of education, Rebecca Schulz (Calgary-Shaw) as minister of environment and protected areas and Brian Jean (Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche) as minister of energy and minerals.
When the appointments were made on Friday, Premier Smith said in a statement that cabinet members will work to accomplish what Albertans voted for, including economic growth and diversity, affordability, health care reform, tackling crime, helping those who are struggling and defending Alberta’s interests.
“I am so pleased to have this team working with me to deliver on the promises we made to Albertans during the election," Smith said. "These are not just our government’s priorities, they are Albertans’ priorities."
The Legislature will convene for its first session following the May general election on June 20.
