“I am pleased to congratulate the Honourable Ric McIver on his election to Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.
“After decades of public service, Speaker McIver has a proven track record of representing his constituents with dignity and honour as the MLA for Calgary-Hays, in his various ministerial roles, and previously as a city of Calgary councillor.
“He is respected on both sides of the aisle, and I know he will approach his new role as Speaker with the utmost seriousness.
“As was announced earlier this morning, in order to hold this new bi-partisan role, Speaker McIver has resigned from his position as Minister of Municipal Affairs. Alberta’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, and Government House Leader, Joseph Schow, will be serving as interim Minister of Municipal Affairs until a new minister is appointed. Minister Schow will be available to municipalities around the province as they continue to navigate the uncertainty of the wildfire season.”