Alberta’s new parliamentary secretaries were sworn in on Thursday. From left: Deputy Premier Mike Ellis, Nolan Dyck, Premier Danielle Smith, Ron Wiebe, Health Minister Adriana LeGrange, Justin Wright and Justice Minister Mickey Amery.
The MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat is the new parliamentary secretary for rural health in southern Alberta.
Justin Wright was appointed Thursday by Premier Danielle Smith.
Smith also named Grande Prairie-Wapiti MLA Ron Wiebe parliamentary secretary for rural health north.
“(Wright and Wiebe) will be key advocates for rural Albertans, ensuring we continue building a better and stronger health care system that serves the needs of all Albertans in every corner of our province,” Smith said in a news release.
Nolan Dyck, MLA for Grande Prairie, was named parliamentary secretary for Indigenous and rural policing.
“MLA Nolan Dyck will be an important voice for both rural and Indigenous Albertans, ensuring we keep residents and communities safe across Alberta,” Smith said.
Parliamentary secretaries assist ministers in their work and help to move forward and achieve the government’s priorities.
Wright and Wiebe will report to Health Minister Adrianna LaGrange.
Wright will continue in the role of military liaison.
“It is an honour to serve as our government’s parliamentary secretary for rural health south in addition to my role as military liaison,” Wright said. “Our government’s commitment to ensure Albertans have access to the health care they need, when and where they need it, is especially important for those who live in rural communities, and I am looking forward to continuing this important work alongside Minister LaGrange.”
Wiebe said one of the highest priorities for Albertans is health care.
“Our government is working hard to ensure all Albertans have access to the health care they need, when and where they need it, and I’m honoured to be asked to participate in this work,” Wiebe said. “ I look forward to working alongside Minister LaGrange to help deliver strong health care in northern Alberta.”
Dyck also anticipated making a difference in his new role.
“Our government has been working hard to ensure all Albertans feel safe in their communities, and members of police services feel supported in their work,” Wiebe said. “I’m looking forward to joining Minister Ellis on this important work.”
The newly named parliamentary secretaries join six others who continue working with ministers to fulfill their mandate items and deliver on their commitments.
