Premier Danielle Smith has announced changes to cabinet and United Conservative caucus leadership, including the resignation of Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz.

Schulz, who has served as minister since 2023 and represents Calgary-Shaw, will step down from cabinet effective Jan. 2, 2026. Smith thanked Schulz for her work in cabinet, noting her previous roles as minister of children services and minister of municipal affairs, and said she will continue to serve as an MLA and caucus member into the spring before pursuing new career opportunities.

Smith also confirmed that Grant Hunter, MLA for Taber-Warner and currently the associate minister for water, will be sworn in as Alberta’s new minister of environment and protected areas on Jan. 2. Hunter previously served as associate minister for red tape reduction and has several years of experience in cabinet and caucus roles.

In addition, Justin Wright, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat, has been appointed chief government whip for the United Conservative caucus.

Smith congratulated both Hunter and Wright on their new responsibilities, saying she looks forward to working with them in their expanded roles.