Key Influencer - Nate Horner

First elected in 2019, rookie MLA for Drumheller – Stettler Nate Horner was promoted during Premier Jason Kenney’s latest cabinet shuffle. The brand-new Associate Ministry of Rural Economic Development (under the purview of the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, Doug Schweitzer), is now led by Horner. In this new role, Horner plans on delivering opportunities to rural and remote areas including expanding rural broadband and irrigation networks.

A fifth generation Albertan, Horner is a born and raised rancher from Pollockville, Alberta. His great-great grandfather homesteaded near Oyen, Alberta - not too far from where the Horner family farm is today. He has an AgBusiness Diploma from Olds College as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from the University of Lethbridge. Following his education, Horner purchased his grandfather’s ranch which he has owned and operated for years as a cow-calf mix farm operation. Outside of the ranch, Horner managed both an oilfield ambulance business and small aggregate hauling operation. It is also no surprise that Horner ran for public office – he’s related to former PC MLA Doug Horner, his grandfather was Alberta MP Jack Horner, and his great-grandfather Ralph Horner was a Saskatchewan Senator for over three decades. Horner may be a rookie MLA, but his political prowess was demonstrated the second he opened the gate, beating incumbent MLA Rick Strankman in the UCP nomination.

Horner is an avid volunteer that is always eager to serve his community. He has held many board and volunteer positions in local community associations, including as an Emergency Medical Responder for Dryland Emergency Medical Services Association, President of The Highway 9 Feeder Association, and as Co-Chair of the Hardgrass Bronc Match. The latter of those sparks from his passion for rodeo and bronc riding, as Horner was the Canadian Intercollegiate Rodeo Association saddle bronc champion in 2002 and 2004.