A New Leader Means New Life for Potential Cabinet Appointment Hopefuls

October 6 at long last has come and gone. The results are in, and the people have spoken. UCP members have selected their new leader and, by extension, the province’s 19th premier. After six rounds of voting on a preferential ballot, Danielle Smith has emerged victorious. While the new leader is now in place, the individuals who will make up Alberta’s government are yet to be announced.

Let’s review some of the key players that are in contention to hold government portfolios.

Todd Loewen

Todd Loewen is a second term MLA from northern Alberta representing the constituency of Central Peace-Notley. Loewen was among the first UCP MLAs to openly oppose Jason Kenney by calling for his resignation in 2021. This ultimately led to Loewen’s expulsion from the UCP caucus after a vote from his peers along with colleague Drew Barnes. Despite his expulsion, Loewen remained popular with his constituents and his constituency association and continued to put in the work while sitting as an independent MLA.

Loewen ran a solid campaign with his policies mostly closely aligning with the Smith campaign. Smith welcomed Loewen back to caucus with open arms, and he is widely believed to be in contention for a cabinet position after his strong showing in the leadership race. With his background as an outfitter, he would be in consideration for the Environment and Parks portfolio, but it is a hotly desired file, and he is not the only strong contender.

Searle Turton

While Searle Turton is a first term MLA, he came in prepared to hit the ground running. Turton has already served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and the private sector union liaison for the Ministry of Labour and Immigration during his time in the Legislature.

With his background as a three-term city councillor, and his understanding of both rural and urban centres, he would be a strong asset as the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

Nathan Neudorf

Representing Lethbridge-East, Nathan Neudorf is another first time MLA. Replacing Todd Loewen as UCP Caucus Chair, Neudorf has carried a heavy workload during his time as an elected member. Serving on and chairing countless committees and more recently as parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Environment and Parks for Water Stewardship, Neudorf has proven himself a hard-working MLA capable of juggling many priorities.

In 2020, his peers voted him as “Alberta’s Hardest Working MLA”. Neudorf is a versatile politician. With his role in water stewardship, Neudorf has a case to be the minister of Environment and Parks. With his time on the Worker’s Compensation Board, he would also do well in the file of Labour and Immigration.

Premier-Designate Smith will be sworn in after Thanksgiving on Tuesday, October 11 with her cabinet announcement to follow in around two weeks time. Until that time, the speculation continues. Regardless of who makes up cabinet, the UCP needs to move forward and focus on unity. The party membership will need to come together and take Premier-Designate Smith’s podium call to action to unite and focus on the task at hand if it hopes to win election 2023.