Two veteran Alberta ministers have announced they are stepping down from their cabinet positions and will not seek re-election in the next provincial election. Finance Minister Nate Horner and Hospital and Surgical Health Services Minister Matt Jones made the announcements via social media on Wednesday, prompting Premier Danielle Smith to schedule a cabinet shuffle for Thursday.
Horner cites two-term commitment
In his post, Horner explained that he had always intended to serve only two terms in office. He noted that after discussing his plans with the premier, both agreed the election year budget should be prepared by a cabinet member who plans to run for re-election. Consequently, he will step down as finance minister and president of the treasury board. Horner was first elected in Drumheller-Stettler in 2019 and served as associate minister of rural economic development, agriculture minister, and finance minister, delivering three provincial budgets. He also led efforts to overhaul the auto insurance system and championed a provincial pension plan.
Jones seeks orderly transition
Jones, representing Calgary-South East, also announced he will leave cabinet and not seek re-election. He stated that he informed the premier of his decision to support an orderly transition. First elected in 2019, Jones held roles as children's services minister, affordability and utilities minister, and jobs, economy and trade minister before becoming one of four health ministers in May 2025.
Premier Smith reposted both statements, thanking the ministers for their service. Earlier Wednesday, she confirmed a new cabinet will be unveiled Thursday morning. This follows the December announcement by Calgary-Shaw MLA Rebecca Schulz that she would step down from cabinet and resign as MLA, though she has not yet formally done so.
The resignations mark a significant shift in Smith's cabinet ahead of the 2027 election, with key portfolios now open for new appointments.
