Alberta’s provincial government is facing a significant leadership transition as Finance Minister Nate Horner and Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services Matt Jones have announced they will leave the cabinet and will not seek re-election.
Strategic Departures in the Cabinet
Nate Horner, who previously served as Alberta’s agriculture minister, stated that his departure was discussed with Premier Danielle Smith. He noted that both he and the premier agreed the election year budget should be developed by a cabinet member who intends to run for re-election.
Before his political career, Horner operated a cow calf ranching operation. In his most recent role as finance minister, he delivered a third budget that forecasted a $9.4-billion deficit.
Horner confirmed that he will remain the MLA for Drumheller-Stettler until the next general election takes place.
Healthcare and Economic Contributions
Matt Jones, a former investment banker, also announced his exit from the cabinet. Jones held a wide array of portfolios during his tenure, including jobs, economy and trade, as well as affordability and utilities and children’s services.
“Working to improve the healthcare of Albertans and promoting Alberta globally to attract investment and jobs have been the highlights of my career,” Jones wrote in a statement posted to X.
Like Horner, Jones indicated that he will continue to serve as the MLA for Calgary-South East at this time.
Looking Forward to Cabinet Changes
Premier Danielle Smith expressed her gratitude for both ministers on X. She described Horner as “instrumental in strengthening Alberta’s fiscal position” and credited Jones with helping “build a healthcare system better equipped to meet the needs of a growing province.”
The government is expected to move quickly to fill these roles, with new cabinet members set to be sworn in this Thursday.
This follows a previous change in December 2025, when Rebecca Schulz resigned from the cabinet and was replaced by Grant Hunter as the minister of environment and protected areas.
The transition may lead to a shift in how the election-year budget is framed, as a new minister takes over the fiscal roadmap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Nate Horner leaving the Alberta cabinet?
Horner and Premier Danielle Smith felt it was important for the election year budget to be developed by a cabinet member who is running for re-election.
What other portfolios did Matt Jones manage?
In addition to hospital and surgical health services, Jones previously served as the minister of children’s services, affordability and utilities, and jobs, economy, and trade.
Will Horner and Jones immediately leave the Legislative Assembly?
No. Horner will continue as the Drumheller-Stettler MLA until the next general election, and Jones will continue as the Calgary-South East MLA at this time.
How do you think these cabinet changes will impact the upcoming election year budget?
