This release was issued under a previous government.

Cabinet changes show focus on economic diversification, supporting job growth 2911

Premier Notley with Minister Danielle Larivee

The changes to Cabinet demonstrate the Notley government’s focus on economic diversification and supporting Alberta’s job creators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.

Deron Bilous will serve as Minister of Economic Development and Trade. Minister Bilous most recently served as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister of Service Alberta. Minister Bilous will also chair a Cabinet committee tasked with guiding the Municipal Government Act (MGA) review process.

“Supporting economic diversification and job creation in communities across Alberta requires teamwork and focus. Minister Bilous will provide the enthusiastic leadership that the new Alberta Economic Development and Trade ministry needs. Minister Sigurdson will continue her very capable leadership of the Advanced Education and Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour ministries. Minister Larivee will bring her energy and talent to the ministries of Municipal Affairs and Service Alberta. All three ministers will work with their colleagues in cabinet and caucus to make Alberta the best place in Canada to dream, learn, create, and live.”

Rachel Notley, Premier

Lori Sigurdson will serve as Minister of Advanced Education and continue serving as Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour.

Danielle Larivee will serve as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister of Service Alberta.

Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor, Her Honour, the Honourable Lois Mitchell, administered the oaths of office.

Cabinet Minister Biographies

Deron Bilous

Deron Bilous was sworn in as the Minister of Economic Development and Trade on October 22, 2015. He will also chair a Cabinet committee tasked with guiding the Municipal Government Act (MGA) review process. Mr. Bilous had served as Minister of Municipal Affairs and as Minister of Service Alberta since May 24, 2015. He was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview on April 23, 2012 and again on May 5, 2015. During his first term he served as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing, and the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship. Mr. Bilous was born and raised in Edmonton and is very proud of his Ukrainian ancestry. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a bachelor of education degree in 2001. For the past five years he has taught and mentored students at Edmonton’s Inner City High School. An active volunteer in his community, Mr. Bilous has been a member of the Beverly Heights Community League and vice-president of the Boyle Street Community League. From 2008 to 2011 he served as a board member on the Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee. Mr. Bilous also participated in the Canada World Youth program in 1995-96, working in Edmonton, Saint Jerome in Quebec and Tunisia. Mr. Bilous lives in Beverly Heights. In his spare time he enjoys playing recreational hockey and other sports as well as traveling.

Lori Sigurdson

Lori Sigurdson was appointed Minister of Advanced Education on October 22, 2015, while continuing to serve as Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour since May 2015. A social worker with over 20 years of experience, she served as vice president of Public Interest Alberta and manager of professional affairs for the Alberta College of Social Work before being elected to represent the riding of Edmonton Riverview. Lori holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in political science from the University of Alberta. She also holds Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Calgary, where she later served as an instructor. Additionally, Lori has taught at MacEwan University and Norquest College. The mother of three sons, she remains an active volunteer in her community.

Danielle Larivee

Danielle Larivee was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta as the Member for the constituency of Lesser Slave Lake on May 5, 2015. She was appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister of Service Alberta on October 22, 2015. She currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and as a member of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future. Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Ms. Larivee worked for over 17 years as a registered nurse with Alberta Health Services. During this time she also spent two years working in home care for the Driftpile First Nation and two years as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) instructor with Northern Lakes College. An active member of her community, she served as treasurer for her local chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) from 2013 to 2015, as chair of the Lesser Slave Lake Regional Wellness Advisory Committee from 2014 to 2015 and as president of local 315 of the United Nurses of Alberta from 2011 to 2015. Ms. Larivee holds a bachelor of science in midwifery from the Midwives College of Utah and a Bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Alberta. She also is an alumnus of the TUXIS Parliament of Alberta. Ms. Larivee, together with her three children, resides in Slave Lake, a place that she has called home for over 35 years, and community abundant with rivers and lakes that she enjoys kayaking whenever she has the opportunity.

Watch the swearing-in ceremony