Brian Topp has resigned from his post as Alberta Premier Rachel Notley’s chief of staff. His resignation takes effect immediately.
Topp first took the role in May 2015.
The province said Topp has now been named a senior fellow at Canada’s Public Policy Forum which is headquartered in Ottawa, Ont.
“Brian served my government and the people of Alberta with integrity and purpose,” Notley said. “He was instrumental in advancing such major initiatives as the Climate Leadership Plan, establishing a stable electricity market and securing approval for the Trans Mountain Pipeline. On behalf of our government, I offer my heartfelt appreciation for his enormous contribution to our province.”
Notley announced Wednesday John Heaney was appointed her new chief of staff.
Heaney grew up in Edmonton and has decades of government experience, including work for the Alberta NDP Caucus in the 1980s, the party said.
He most recently served as deputy minister of policy co-ordination.
“John is enormously qualified, with decades of experience working in senior government and legislative positions,” the premier said. “His expertise will help our government continue moving forward on Albertans’ priorities: supporting jobs, growing our economy and securing market access for our oil. I am very pleased to welcome him into his new role.”
Notley also named Jim Rutkowski principal secretary in the Office of the Premier.
He is also an Edmonton native and is a University of Alberta graduate.
Rutkowski previously served as the chief of staff to the minister of finance.
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