Redford on the Move With Change

Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 221 (May 16, 2012) Whispering in the Wind Premier Redford Gets Down To Work – Last month’s election was a surprise to many Albertans and after the ballots were all counted, the more serious, committed “progressive” conservatives likely observed; “wow, that was a close one.” So, when all is said and done, the 41 year dynasty will continue for at least another four years under the strategic leadership of Alison Redford and her vocal commitment to CHANGE. It is a little early to judge Premier Redford’s strategy for change, but already people are seeing some real signs of a new approach to governance: Premier Redford’s Cabinet: Last week Premier Redford announced her new cabinet and a new cabinet structure. Not only is her new cabinet smaller with a number of important functions absorbed into fewer ministries, Premier Redford has staffed her priority ministries with notable and capable MLAs – Energy (Ken Hughes); Health (Fred Horne) and Education (Jeff Johnson) – it is also interesting, the premier has identified a specific priority for aboriginal affairs with the appointment of Robin Campbell, Minister of Aboriginal Relations. For me, the most important change in the premier’s new cabinet structure is the appointment of Thomas Lukaszuk as Deputy Premier, without ministerial responsibilities. Mr. Lukaszuk is not only Deputy Premier he has been given the responsibility for the very important Operations Policy Committee an appointment that is revealing of Premier Redford’s governance strategy. From my perspective, Mr. Lukaszuk’s responsibilities are clear he will be managing the day to day operations of government while Premier Redford will be giving a lot more attention to Alberta’s role in national and international affairs. Don’t get me wrong, Premier Redford will still maintain control of the government’s agenda and priority setting – after all she is Premier, Province of Alberta, she is President of Executive Council and Chair of the all important Agenda and Priorities Committee. If I were to offer a concern regarding Premier Redford’s new cabinet structure it is the fusing of the Finance Department with the Treasuring Board under one Minister, Doug Horner – I always thought that the two functions acted as a sober check on the other? Jeff Johnson, Minister of Education If you ask me Jeff Johnson has been given a significant promotion in Premier Redford’s Cabinet. Some have observed that Mr. Johnson, as Minister of Education, will have important responsibilities related to the Province of Alberta but will have little impact on the priorities in the Smoky Lake area. I disagree with that observation and point out that Jeff John sits on all three priority Cabinet Committees struck be Premier Redford: Agenda and Priorities Committee (Chair, Premier Redford); Operations Policy Committee (Chair, Thomas Lukaszuk); Treasury Board (President, Doug Horner). Remember Jeff Johnson was very good to us when he was Minister of Infrastructure, and he can be very good to us as Minister of Education, its going to be up to supporters of Jeff Johnson to make sure it happens.