Get the free daily rdnewsNOW newsletter by subscribing here!
(Lethbrsidge News Now file photo)
new mandate letters

Premier Smith sets renewed course for four ministries

Sep 20, 2025 | 11:09 AM

Premier Danielle Smith has set four ministers on a renewed course, with brand new mandate letters released this week.

Smith says the letters are focused on growing Alberta’s economy, improving trade and creating jobs, and they come ahead of the legislative assembly reconvening for a fall session on Oct. 23.

“A resilient and diversified economy is one of our top priorities and what Albertans expect from their government,” said Smith.

“We are creating the conditions for workers and industries in Alberta to keep growing – by supporting investments where they are needed and reducing barriers that stifle innovation and expansion.”

Mandate letters, as presented:

Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration

The Premier tasks Minister Joseph Schow with:

  • Using every legal and policy tool to gain greater provincial authority over immigration, setting sustainable levels that prioritize economic migrants, and ensuring young Albertans have access to jobs. Expanding programs to reduce youth unemployment, developing talent pipelines and helping newcomers integrate successfully.
  • Attracting major domestic and international investment by coordinating with partners, reviewing and improving incentive programs, increasing the Investment and Growth Fund and aligning investment attraction agencies with Alberta’s long-term economic goals.
  • Defending Alberta’s interests in federal trade negotiations, implementing and managing trade agreements and supporting Alberta businesses to expand into new global markets through trade missions and services.
  • Collaborating with ministries and partners to expand airport capacity and connectivity, supporting value-added forestry initiatives, growing Alberta’s cultural industries and securing public and private investment in defense-related and other strategic infrastructure projects.

“Alberta continues to stand out as the best place to do business. Our government’s work is leading to a stronger economy, more jobs and more opportunity for those who call Alberta home. I am honoured to accept this mandate given to me by Premier Smith to continue this growth for Alberta, keeping our province strong and free.” –Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration

Forestry and Parks

The Premier tasks Minister Todd Loewen with:

  • Securing a federal partnership for wildfire mitigation on federal lands, especially in national parks, and advancing proactive fire management through strategic harvesting, fuel reduction, expanded FireSmart programs, new technology and modern firefighting equipment.
  • Finalizing and implementing the new strategy to expand public access to natural spaces responsibly, while continuing to add new campsites, trails and recreation opportunities, and upgrading infrastructure in high-traffic areas like Kananaskis, Canmore and Crowsnest Pass.
  • Remaining committed to a common-sense approach to maintain healthy wildlife populations and guide ministry practices related to fish and game management.
  • Proposing a value-added tax incentive for forestry products and enabling more public land use opportunities through private and community partnerships.

“The beautiful outdoors of our province feels like home for many Albertans. Our government is continuing its work to make sure that the land we have all grown up loving will stay strong for Albertans today and for future generations” –Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks

Tourism and Sport

The Premier tasks Minister Andrew Boitchenko with:

  • Maintaining progress on expanding opportunities for sustainable year-round tourism in the Alberta Rockies with all-season resorts.
  • Ensuring the full implementation of the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, using every legal and constitutional tool available to defend Alberta athletes and guarantee a level playing field.
  • Respecting taxpayer dollars by creating a new provincial bidding policy to oversee future bids to host international and national sport events and working with Treasury Board and Finance to ensure visitors contribute fairly to taxes and fees.
  • Continuing to work with Travel Alberta to unleash Alberta’s potential and reach the ambitious goal of $25 billion in visitor spending.

“Premier Danielle Smith has made my mandate clear; grow Alberta’s visitor economy and ensure our province continues to be the best place to live, work, visit and play. We have already had great success, and I am excited to keep that ball rolling as we work to strengthen Alberta’s tourism and sport sectors. Albertans elected us to get the job done and that’s exactly what I intend to do.” –Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport

Arts, Culture and Status of Women

The Premier tasks Minister Tanya Fir with:

  • Continuing to work with the Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration to grow Alberta’s cultural industries including music, television, film and other performing arts.
  • Maintaining progress on promoting and celebrating Alberta’s unique cultural identity and heritage, including identifying opportunities to more prominently display our provincial flag and motto across the province while significantly growing the size and scope of Alberta Day celebrations.
  • Remaining committed to collaborating with First Nations throughout the province that wish to repatriate items identified as belonging to their nations, including the implementation of the new repatriation framework.
  • In cooperation with the Minister of Children and Family Services, pushing forward on developing and implementing supports for victims of domestic violence.

“Our government has a clear vision for Alberta’s arts, culture and heritage sectors to ensure they remain central to our economy, identity and communities. Through this mandate, I will continue leading initiatives that celebrate who we are, create more opportunities in cultural industries, collaborate with First Nations partners and support survivors of gender-based violence.” –Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women