Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk will be taking on a new role in Premier Danielle Smith's cabinet.
On Friday (Oct. 21), it was announced that the Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA will step into the role of parliamentary secretary for Ukrainian refugee resettlement.
"This is a big need that is required in our province," said Armstrong-Homeniuk. "There are many displaced Ukrainian persons coming to Alberta and there has to be more focus and recognition."
Armstrong-Homeniuk says moving into this role is a perfect fit, considering her Ukrainian background.
"I'm the chair of the advisory council on Alberta-Ukraine relations and that's mostly because of my Ukrainian roots and actually living in the largest Ukrainian constituency in the province," said Armstrong-Homeniuk.
Work has already gotten underway on helping Ukrainian refugees in the province.
"I'm consulting with stakeholders to see what the immediate and long-term needs are," said Armstrong-Homeniuk. "Those change from week to week, but we are trying to hone those down into the most specific and the most impactful needs for the Ukrainian displaced persons."
Armstrong-Homeniuk previously served as the associate minister of the status of women in former premier Jason Kenney's cabinet.