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Monday, January 11, 2010

alberta cabinet shuffle.

With a cabinet shuffled expected in the near future (possibly as early as tomorrow), there is no shortage of speculation about who will be shuffled in, out, and around. A cabinet shuffle will put a new face on the tiring PC cabinet that has weathered a brutal public beating on issues ranging from unpopular health care restructuring, Bill 44, resource royalty tinkering, international attention on the oilsands, a by-election defeat, a seismic drop in the polls, and MLA defections.

As I wrote in December 2009, It is going to take something much more meaningful than a cabinet shuffle to change PC Party fortunes. One of Premier Ed Stelmach's greatest challenges is that his government doesn't have a defining purpose beyond governing for governing sake, and it shows.

Iris EvansRon Liepert
Finance Minister Iris Evans may keep her job, but there are strong rumors about a comfy patronage appointment as Alberta's Representative in London, UK. With a strong political pedigree, Doug Horner is a key candidate for promotion - to Finance, or more likely, Health & Wellness. His father, Hugh Horner, served as an MP, MLA, and cabinet minister between 1958 and 1979, including as Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture of Alberta.

The rumor mill appears to have come to an unlikely consensus that Minister Ron Liepert will relieve Minister Mel Knight of his position in Energy. Delicate as a wrecking ball, Minister Liepert oversaw the haphazard dissolution of Alberta's regional health authorities and centralization under the Alberta Health Services 'Superboard.' I am sure that the energy sector will love him.
Iris EvansLindsay Blackett
As the Godfather of Edmonton PC MLAs, Dave Hancock is expected to remain Education Minister, not interrupting the ongoing School Act review. Also expected to remain in their job is Environment Minister Rob Renner, who has proved his ability to deliver a respectful media performance on dirty files like climate change and the oilsands. 

First-term MLA Diana McQueen wooed PC delegates in her introduction of Premier Stelmach at their 2009 leadership review convention. McQueen could be a strong addition to a weak cabinet. After playing interference for Premier Stelmach on the Alberta Hospital Edmonton bed closures, another rookie MLA, Fred Horne, has been rumored to be a candidate for Minister of Health, but more recently has been rumoured to replace Minister Horner in Advanced Education. Horne served as Executive Assistant to Minister Hancock, who also he served in the portfolio.

Long-time Stelmach confidants Jack Hayden, Ray Danyluk, and Lloyd Snelgrove will likely stay rewarded for their loyalty, but may be shuffled. Ted Morton is clearly enjoying his current role as Sustainable Resource Development Minister, but columnist Don Braid has suggested that he may be moved to the Treasury Board position. Weak Ministerial performers Lindsay BlackettJanis Tarchuk, Heather Klimchuk, and George Groenveld are also prime targets for being shuffled.

After taking another look at the rumoured shuffle, it does not appear to be much of a change after all. We shall wait and see.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Remember in Braveheart when King Longshanks says "My god! If he can sack York he can take the whole of lower England."

This is how I feel about Ted Morton possibly being given Treasury Board.

Stelmach is losing control and elevating his former opponents. Sooner or later Dr Morton will become leader and he'll bring home the stray sheep (WAP).

Gross.

Anonymous said...

do you suppose any of the remaining fiscal 4 originals may be promoted Dave?

What are you thoughts about the likes of Ministers Redford and Jablonski - do they stay put or get moved?

daveberta said...

Anonymous 9:52pm: I would imagine that Redford will stay in Justice. Not sure about Jablonski. Thoughts?

daveberta said...

Anonymous 9:52pm: I would imagine that Redford will stay in Justice. Not sure about Jablonski. Thoughts?

Anonymous said...

I would think you are right about Redford given that she is a lawyer and hasn't had a bumpy ride in her position to date. I think if Jablonski were to move, she would be a good fit in the Children's Services Portfolio...who knows though.

Anonymous said...

Bridget Pastoor as Minister of Seniors.

Anonymous said...

Any thoughts on departmental reorgs? There's a few ministries that barely do anything.

If Evans goes to London, that will be pathetic. Suburban rube with a clothes fetish should get us good value on London's champagne circuit.

Anonymous said...

Bring back Peter Lougheed.

Anonymous said...

Bring back Herbert Greenfield.

Anonymous said...

Bring back Social Credit.

Anonymous said...

Danielle Smith is trying to.

Daniel Eggert said...

Between Snelgrove and Oberle, Ag and SRD will see new faces. Horne to AET eh? wow. If Redford's going anywhere its up in ranking, but portfolio is likely to stay the same. If the Premier appoints a Deputy Premier, my money's on Redford of Morton. Griffiths would make a strong addition by replacing Lindsay. Should be some interesting movements on committees as well - Kyle Fawcett perhaps, Richard Marz? Only time will tell!

Anonymous said...

My money is on Redford for Deputy Premier, she won't be moved from Justice as she's only one of three lawyers and the other two (Denis and Olsen) aren't that strong/well known but then again Neil Brown is a QC...

Anonymous said...

Jonathan Denis is a QC too but he's far too right wing to be making cabinet.

Anonymous said...

Diana McQueen gets Environment.

Anonymous said...

Four lawyers in the PC caucus. Hancock, Redford, Denis, and Olsen. Liberal Kent Hehr and Dipper Rachel Notley are lawyers also.

Anonymous said...

Starting to hear tidbits of the shuffle...don't be so sure that Denis isn't in.

Anonymous said...

Doug Elniski for Minister of Inappropriate Comments about Teenage Girls! He can hire Eric Tillman as his deputy minister.