Alberta’s finance and hospital ministers resign ahead of cabinet shuffle

UCP ministers Nate Horner and Matt Jones are stepping down from cabinet and will not be seeking re-election.

Two Alberta cabinet ministers are taking a step back ahead of the 2027 provincial election.

Finance Minister Nate Horner and Hospital Minister Matt Jones took to social media Wednesday afternoon announcing their resignation.

“When the premier offered me this cabinet role, I told her it was likely that my second term would be my last,” wrote Horner in a statement. “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.”

Horner has served as a cabinet minister since 2021, first under Jason Kenney, followed by Premier Danielle Smith.

Jones has represented Calgary-South East since 2019.

“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,” said Jones in a statement. “I will continue to represent and serve the constituents of Calgary-South East at this time.”

The resignations come as Smith is to shuffle her cabinet Thursday.

Alberta’s fixed election date is Oct. 18, 2027.

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