Alberta Legislature in session, image via https://www.assembly.ab.ca
EDMONTON — Alberta Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz is leaving cabinet and will also step down as a member of the legislature later this spring, prompting a shuffle in Premier Danielle Smith’s cabinet and caucus leadership.
Schulz announced her departure on social media, saying she has offered her resignation from cabinet effective Jan. 2 and will leave her seat as United Conservative Party MLA for Calgary-Shaw by May. She did not cite a specific reason for the decision beyond saying “timing is everything” and that she plans to pursue new career opportunities.
In a statement released Wednesday, Smith thanked Schulz for her service, saying, “I would like to offer my sincere appreciation and most heartfelt thanks to the Honourable Rebecca Schulz who has served as Minister of Environment and Protected Areas since 2023, and as MLA for Calgary-Shaw since 2019.”
Smith said she has accepted Schulz’s resignation from cabinet effective Jan. 2 and noted she will continue to work with Schulz while she remains in caucus until the spring.
Schulz has held several senior roles since first being elected in 2019, including minister of children’s services and minister of municipal affairs, before taking on the environment and protected areas portfolio in 2023. She also ran unsuccessfully for the UCP leadership in 2022.
Smith announced Grant Hunter, the MLA for Taber-Warner and associate minister of water, will be sworn in as Alberta’s new environment and protected areas minister on Friday. Hunter previously served as associate minister for red tape reduction.
“On Jan. 2, the Honourable Grant Hunter, MLA for Taber-Warner and Associate Minister for Water will be sworn in as Alberta’s new Minister of Environment and Protected Areas,” Smith said in her statement.
Smith also confirmed changes within caucus, announcing Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright will become chief government whip for the United Conservative Caucus.
A swearing-in ceremony for the new cabinet minister is scheduled for Friday morning at the McDougall Centre in Calgary, followed by a media availability with the premier. The ceremony will be livestreamed, with a pooled camera in place and no additional media permitted.
Schulz’s departure has fuelled political speculation, including questions about timing ahead of Alberta’s next fixed election date in 2027. Political observers have also noted the province faces several contentious policy debates and recall campaigns involving multiple MLAs.
Schulz has said she remains supportive of Smith and the United Conservative Party and plans to continue serving constituents until she formally resigns her seat later this spring.
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