Premier Danielle Smith appointed Martin Long as Alberta’s new minister of infrastructure days after Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie resigned from cabinet over concerns about financial oversight.
Long, the United Conservative Party MLA for West Yellowhead, was sworn in Thursday. He previously served as parliamentary secretary for small business and tourism, small business, and rural health.
"I am pleased to welcome Martin to Alberta’s cabinet," Smith said in a statement. "He is an extremely hard worker, and I have full confidence in his ability to work with me and our cabinet colleagues to deliver on our government’s priorities."
Guthrie stepped down on Feb. 25, saying he had pushed for stronger oversight of government procurement practices but did not have cabinet support. His resignation followed allegations from a former Alberta Health Services CEO about procurement irregularities, which the government has said are under investigation.
Long takes over as the province moves forward with its 2025 Capital Plan. The three-year, $26.1-billion plan includes an additional $1.1 billion over last year. $2.6 billion is earmarked for new schools and modernization projects.
The Opposition New Democrats (NDP) have called for Health Minister Adriana LaGrange to resign and for an independent public inquiry into government procurement.
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