SUNDRE - Jason Nixon, third-term Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA and now minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, says he plans to work closely with the minister of Health for the betterment of Alberta seniors.
Nixon was sworn-in as minister in the Danielle Smith cabinet on June 9.
In Albertan interview immediately following his appointment, Nixon said advocating for seniors both in his constituency and province-wide will be a priority.
“I think a lot focus on the seniors side will be about making sure that seniors’ lives are great, making sure that we have adequate housing for seniors and that seniors can enjoy their senior years,” said Nixon.
“A big constituency Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre has a large senior population (and) we are always working with the Health minister on everybody’s health needs, but particularly for the seniors in our community.”
Asked if he will be working closely with the new Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange, he said yes.
Nixon also said he plans to “advocate to make sure that the seniors can stay in the communities that they built. It's something I strongly believed as an MLA and it is also something I very much believe in as minister.”
According to the Alberta government website, the Seniors, Community and Social Services ministry “provides supports for seniors, families and communities, and helps Albertans access disability services, financial supports, services for the homeless, and other social-based programs.
“This ministry supports Albertans through a person-centred, integrated service delivery model that recognizes the unique circumstances, experiences and strengths of individuals and families.”
The ministry also provides oversight for the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee.
Asked how familiar he is with his new portfolio, Nixon said, “Obviously having a new portfolio you have to learn it, but in my time before government I did work with the homeless, so there are aspects of this file that I certainly understand. It is something new that I’m looking forward to getting up to date on.
“It is a great file to help focus on making life better for all Albertans, which is a high priority.”
Asked if he has a first priority job as he takes over as minister, he said, “This is a really large file, I think the third biggest file in government as far as size, so I’m not going to commit myself to one high priority because I think there are so many.”
Serving as minister of Environment, minister of Finance, and government house leader under Jason Kenney, Nixon was not appointed to the first Danielle Smith cabinet in October 2022 following her election as UCP leader.
At the time he was appointed to the Economy and Affordability Cabinet Policy Committee.
Nixon was first elected MLA as a member of the Wildrose Party in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2023.
Before being elected MLA, Nixon was an executive director of the Mustard Seed, an organization that supports people facing addiction and homelessness.
