Premier Danielle Smith has issued new mandate letters to four ministers with a focus on growing Alberta’s economy, enhancing trade, and creating employment opportunities for residents. The ministers of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration; Forestry and Parks; Tourism and Sport; and Arts, Culture and Status of Women, have been charged with delivering tangible benefits for Albertans and for businesses across the province.

Minister Joseph Schow will use all available legal and policy levers to shift more control over immigration, setting levels that favor economic entrants and helping ensure young Alberta residents secure jobs. He is to expand programs that reduce youth joblessness, build talent pipelines, help newcomers integrate successfully, and increase investment attraction efforts. Programs such as the Investment and Growth Fund will be reviewed and incentive schemes adjusted to better align with long-term economic priorities.

Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks, is charged with strengthening wildfire mitigation efforts on federal lands, particularly in national parks. He must drive proactive fire management through strategic harvesting, fuel reduction and expanded FireSmart initiatives. An emphasis has been placed on improving natural infrastructure in high-traffic areas like Kananaskis, Canmore and Crowsnest Pass, adding campsites, trails and upgrading facilities.

Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport, has instructions to further develop year-round sustainable tourism in Alberta’s Rockies and ensure sports are governed fairly under the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act. Oversight of bidding for major sports events will be strengthened, and visitors will contribute more fairly to taxes and fees. The target for visitor spending has been set at $25 billion.

Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, will continue efforts to grow Alberta’s cultural sectors, including film, music, television and the performing arts. Emphasis will be placed on showcasing Alberta’s heritage and identity more prominently, developing Alberta Day celebrations, and working with Indigenous partners to repatriate cultural items. She is also responsible for advancing support for survivors of domestic violence.

Premier Smith said that Albertans expect a resilient and diversified economy, and that government policies are being structured so industries and workers can grow, with barriers to innovation reduced and investment encouraged in key sectors