October 22, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Alberta’s Official Opposition has announced changes to its shadow cabinet lineup as MLAs prepare to return to the Legislature next week.
The Alberta NDP is reorganizing its health portfolios to mirror the UCP government’s recent restructuring of Alberta Health Services (AHS). Former health critic Sarah Hoffman will now oversee the Hospital and Surgical Facilities portfolio, while Sharif Haji will take on Primary and Preventative Health Services. Hoffman previously handled the entire health file.
The change follows the province’s move to decentralize AHS into four separate entities: Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Assisted Living and Recovery Alberta, and Continuing Care Alberta.
In other Opposition changes, Kyle Kasawski (Sherwood Park) will become Shadow Minister for Affordability and Utilities, replacing Sharif Haji. Rob Miyashiro (Lethbridge-West) will take over as Shadow Minister for Municipal Affairs from Kasawski, and Gurtej Singh Brar (Edmonton-Ellerslie) will serve as Senior Advisor to the Leader for Small Business.
MLAs are set to reconvene in Edmonton on Monday, Oct. 27, for the first time since May. It will also mark the first legislative faceoff between Premier Danielle Smith and Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi, who became NDP leader in 2024 and entered the Legislature after winning a by-election in Edmonton-Strathcona, former premier Rachel Notley’s old seat in June.
Government House Leader Joseph Schow said the UCP plans to introduce at least 15 bills this session, including measures to restrict how professional regulatory bodies discipline members and new rules on who can run in provincial elections.
Premier Smith has also indicated her government is prepared to table back-to-work legislation for striking teachers as early as next week and will invoke the notwithstanding clause for three laws affecting transgender Albertans.
The NDP says it will oppose any back-to-work legislation and plans to introduce its own initiatives, including proposals to raise the minimum wage, protect service workers’ tips, and strengthen whistleblower protections. The Opposition also continues to call for a public inquiry into the Alberta Health Services contract procurement scandal.
The Speech from the Throne, officially opening the fall sitting, is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday.
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