Alberta Premier Rachel Notley shuffled her cabinet and split the massive Human Services ministry into two Thursday.
The new ministries are Children’s Services and Community and Social Services. Danielle Larivee was moved from Municipal Affairs to head up the former, while Irfan Sabir will take on the latter.
“All children deserve to be safe, secure and happy,” the premier said. “We want to support our most vulnerable children and ensure they never go to bed hungry or scared. Today’s announcement means we will have more resources and more attention dedicated to taking care of our children and our communities. Minister Larivee will provide thoughtful, compassionate leadership as she works to fix our child intervention system. Minister Sabir will continue with the very capable leadership he provides to his ministry, which has been suitably renamed Community and Social Services.”
Sabir was criticized last fall for his handling of the case of a four-year-old girl named Serenity, who died while in the care of extended family members.
Watch below: Alberta Premier Rachel Notley shuffled her cabinet Thursday and split the massive Human Services ministry into two. Tom Vernon has the details.
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Shaye Anderson, MLA for Leduc-Beaumont, was named the new minister of Municipal Affairs.
“I welcome Shaye Anderson to the cabinet table, I know his ample community engagement experience and enthusiasm for rural Alberta will ensure his success as he navigates his new role,” the premier said.
“Shaye has been an amazing advocate… he is a people person,” Notley said. “Behind that stunning beard is a person who understands the value of listening.”
The ministers were sworn in immediately after the announcement at Government House.
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Notley’s original, 12-person cabinet was also sworn in the same day she became premier in May 2015. Some ministers were given multiple portfolios to manage.
One year ago, Notley announced changes to her cabinet for the second time, adding six new cabinet ministers.
READ MORE: Premier Notley introduces 6 new Alberta cabinet ministers