Two of Smith's Longest-Serving Ministers Are Out
Premier Danielle Smith swore in new cabinet ministers Thursday in Calgary, one day after Finance Minister Nate Horner and Hospital and Surgical Services Minister Matt Jones both announced they are leaving their roles and will not run in the 2027 provincial election.
The departures land at a pivotal moment. With the election roughly 18 months away, Smith now has to break in a new Finance Minister while her government is still mid-budget cycle and restructure her health leadership for the second time in two years.
Why They're Leaving
Horner said in a statement on X that the timing was his own call, not the premier's. He told Smith when she first offered him the role that his second term would likely be his last. "I have decided that the original plan is still the best fit for me and my family and that I will not be seeking re-election after this term," he wrote. He and Smith agreed the 2027 election-year budget should be built by someone who will actually be on the ballot. He stays on as Drumheller-Stettler MLA until the election.
Jones made the same decision independently. "Recently, I informed the Premier that I will not be seeking re-election and have asked to step back from Cabinet to support an orderly transition," he wrote on X. He remains the MLA for Calgary-South East for now.
Smith thanked both publicly, crediting Horner for strengthening Alberta's fiscal position and Jones for building a healthcare system better equipped for a growing province.
The New Lineup
Jason Nixon takes over Finance, moving from his social services portfolio into the most high-stakes role in cabinet heading into an election year. He previously held Finance briefly under Kenney before Smith excluded him from her first cabinet in 2022. Nathan Neudorf steps into Nixon's former social services role.
On the health side, Adriana LaGrange moves into Jones's hospital and surgical services portfolio. Justin Wright, the MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat, steps up from parliamentary secretary to full cabinet minister, taking over LaGrange's previous role in primary and preventative health. Rick Wilson stays on as Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.
Two new faces also enter cabinet. Tara Sawyer, who won a by-election last June, becomes Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation. RJ Sigurdson shifts from agriculture to affordability and utilities.
Both Horner and Jones will remain as MLAs until the next general election, currently expected in October 2027.
Sources:
Nate Horner, statement on X, May 20, 2026
Matt Jones, statement on X, May 20, 2026
Danielle Smith, statement on X, May 20, 2026
Alberta Government Cabinet: alberta.ca/premier-cabinet
