Former ag minister RJ Sigurdson moves to an affordability file
An Alberta farmer is the province’s new minister of agriculture and irrigation.
Premier Danielle Smith appointed Tara Saywer, the MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, a wheat and barley farmer from Acme, Alta., and the inaugural chair of Alberta Grains, as the new ag minister in a May 21 cabinet shuffle.
Sawyer’s predecessor RJ Sigurdson remains in cabinet.
Premier Smith appointed him the new minister of affordability and utilities.
Sigurdson took to social media to reflect on his time in the ag portfolio.
“To work alongside the remarkable farmers, ranchers, stakeholders, boards, and commissions that form the backbone of our province’s agricultural legacy has been a privilege beyond measure,” he said in a letter posted on X. “I am deeply grateful for the wisdom, vision, and partnership extended to me by all involved in this sector. Your efforts not only feed our families, but also sustain our economy and preserve our rural traditions.”
In total Premier Smith made six changes to her cabinet.
Portfolio | New Minister | Replacing |
Agriculture and Irrigation | Tara Sawyer | RJ Sigurdson |
Affordability and Utilities | RJ Sigurdson | Nathan Neudorf |
Assisted Living and Social Services | Nathan Neudorf | Jason Nixon |
Hospital and Surgical Health Services | Adriana LaGrange | Matt Jones |
Primary and Preventative Health Services | Justin Wright | Adriana LaGrange |
Treasury Board and Finance | Jason Nixon | Nathan Horner |
“This cabinet will continue working to strengthen our economy, improve services, support safe communities and ensure Alberta remains the best place in Canada to live, work, and raise a family,” Smith said in a statement.