Nixon, LaGrange shifted to cover open spots as Smith shuffles cabinet

Jason Nixon and Adriana LaGrange have been tapped to fill two vacant spots in Danielle Smith's cabinet, which also shuffles two other UCP MLAs into the premier's inner circle. (The Canadian Press)

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has shuffled her cabinet, naming Jason Nixon her new finance minister.

Nixon takes over from Nate Horner, who announced earlier this week he was stepping down and won’t run in the 2027 provincial election.

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Nixon had been social services minister.

Adriana LaGrange leaves the preventative health-care ministry to run hospitals.

Matt Jones had been in charge of hospitals and also announced this week he was stepping down.

Tara Sawyer becomes agriculture minister and Justin Wright replaces LaGrange in preventative health.

Horner and Jones said earlier this week they were leaving the roles to make way for other party members who are running in the next election.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 21, 2026.