MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY — Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA Jason Nixon has been appointed provincial minister of Finance and president of the Treasury Board, leaving his previous portfolio as minister of Environment and Parks.
“I look forward to focusing on Alberta’s economic recovery and keeping spending under control,” Nixon told the Albertan. “Alberta’s government will also continue to look at ways to provide Albertans with more relief from the rising cost of living.”
Nixon had been acting Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board for the past few weeks.
His appointment to the permanent position was announced on June 21 by Premier Jason Kenney as part of a large cabinet shuffle necessitated by several cabinet ministers resigning to seek the United Conservative Party (UCP) leadership.
Asked what his immediate plans are to address skyrocketing inflation costs impacting Alberta families, he said, “Countless Albertans have told us how much the elimination of the provincial fuel tax has helped them during these challenging times.
“We're committed to cutting fuel tax as long as gas prices are high, and that’s why my first decision as Minister of Finance is to extend that another three months. Of course I continue to demand that the federal government follow Alberta’s lead and suspend federal fuel and carbon taxes.”
Nixon had been Minister of Environment and Parks since the UCP won the last provincial election.
“I will remember my time as Minister of Environment and Parks for the investments made in preserving wildlife, conserving sensitive habitat and putting more boots on the ground while fostering a sincere appreciation for the work of conservation and recreation groups in maintaining and preserving the pristine areas of our province,” he said.
Shannon Phillips is the NDP finance critic. She provided the following statement to the Albertan: “Mr. Nixon’s promotion to finance minister is deeply concerning. He was responsible for the UCP’s attempts to sell our parks and strip mine the Rockies for coal.
"Appointing him finance minister is a reward for this work and shows the UCP has no plans in changing course. In fact, the new finance minister looks a lot like the old one and shows that the UCP wants to keep the entitled old boys club.”
MLA Whitney Issik takes over as Minister of Parks and Environment.
“I am confident that these changes to cabinet and the new members at the table will contribute to even stronger growth and prosperity in the future,” said Premier Kenney.
Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills UCP MLA Nathan Cooper did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the cabinet shuffle.
