Edmonton Centre MP represents Alberta in Trudeau’s new cabinet

Alberta is getting some representation in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet.

Edmonton Centre Member of Parliament Randy Boissonnault has been appointed as the new minister of tourism and associate minister of finance.

“Alberta has a seat at the cabinet table, a way for Alberta to represent Alberta’s interests, and that’s significant and expected,” Political Scientist Lori Williams told CityNews Calgary.

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Williams also says it isn’t a surprise that Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal wasn’t appointed to cabinet.

“It’s also expected that George Chahal in Calgary could not be appointed to cabinet simply because he’s got an investigation undergoing [regarding the] removal of the pamphlet during the campaign,” she explained.

“That may change down the road if the results of that investigation clear him, but that’s sort of up in the air.”

She says that the Liberal government has had some ethical concerns raised in the past, so they don’t want to risk appointing someone like Chahal who is being investigated by Elections Canada.

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Boissonnault will be the first Albertan in cabinet since 2019, when former Minister of Natural Resources Amarjeet Sohi failed to hold on to his seat.

Chrystia Freeland will remain as minister of finance.

“If it turns out that Randy Boissonnault is working closely with Chrystia Freeland, that could go well for influence and perhaps future promotion, but again that remains to be seen,” Williams added.

“Voters in general in Alberta were very much looking forward to having a voice right there at the cabinet table, that means a lot more responsibility for Randy Boissonnault now, because he’s representing much more than his own riding.”

Boissonnault was first elected in 2015 but then lost to Conservative James Cumming in 2019. He won the seat back this year.

No Liberal Albertans were elected in 2019.